Vol. LXXXIII No. 14 Omaha, NE
Sharon: Jews Will Prevail
The Jewish people will not be deterred by terrorism, Israel’s prime minister told North American Jewish leaders. At the opening plenary of the United Jewish Communities’ annual General Assembly in Jerusalem last month, Ariel Sharon said, “Our enemies have got to understand that the Jewish people cannot be broken.” He received a thunderous ovation. Sharon told the audience that Jews should make aliyah; promote Zionist education; and invest in Jerusalem, the Negev and the Galilee. Shortly after he began speaking, Sharon was interrupted by hecklers urging the release of Jonathan Pollard, an American Jew jailed for spying for Israel. (See Op-Ed piece on page 22.) More Israel photos and stories on page 16 and 17.
CREDIT: Brian Hendler/JTA
SPECIAL ISSUE: HANUKKAH GIFT GUIDE
10 Kislev, 5764 December 5, 2003 2 Sections
Performance by Stand-up Comedian/Rabbi to Benefit Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah by LYNDA MIRVISH Island, Alper is a graduate of for Beth El Synagogue Lehigh University, was Rabbi Bob Alper claims to be “the world’s ordained at Hebrew Union only practicing clergyman doing stand-up College in Cincinnati, OH, comedy...intentionally!” And he has proved it and is the first Jewish person time after time with audiences both in the ever to earn a doctorate from United States and in London. the Princeton Theological “Reviewers rave about his warm and pithy Seminary. He has served humor and say that it is funny enough for congregations in Buffalo and teenagers, clean enough for their grandparPhiladelphia, where he conents, and appropriate for people of all faiths,” tinues to conduct High says Marilyn Tipp, chairman of the committee Holiday services. organizing Alper’s appearance at Beth El at a “We are so delighted to be benefit for BESTT (Beth El Synagogue Talmud bringing Bob to Omaha,” Torah). “Some of the praise include words Tipp added. “Everyone in such as ‘brilliant’, ‘side-splitting’, ‘polished’ Omaha will be welcome at and ‘a genuine comic’,” Tipp continued. this extraordinary event--and Rabbi Bob Alper How did a pulpit rabbi (who, incidentally, that includes children over looks like Steve Martin and sounds like Alan Alda) the age of 12. Our wonderful committee is working make it to the world of stand-up comedy? It seems that feverishly to make Bob’s visit a hilarious and momenearly in his rabbinical career, Alper effectively injected tous event.” humor into his pulpit messages. His congregants Tipp’s committee includes: Larry and Hanna DeBruin, laughed, and they also listened! And he got hooked on Harriet Einziger, Buddy and Gloria Goodman, M’Lee making people laugh! Hasslinger, Les Kay, Cheryl Lerner, Natalie Rubin, Realizing that he was cut out for a life on the stage Lynne Shkolnik, Lesli Shrago, Steve Tipp and me. rather than the bimah, he now performs nearly 100 The Saturday evening, Jan. 31, 8 p.m., show will be times each year, and has appeared on ABC’s “World preceded by a Silent Auction which will begin at 7 News Tonight”, Showtime, “Extra”, “Comedy Central”, p.m. “The auction offers a great opportunity to pick up CNN’s “American Morning”, and “Good Morning unique items and support our Talmud Torah at the America”. same time,” Tipp added. A Vermont resident and native of Providence, Rhode Continued on page 2
The Project Dreidel Chronicles
The Importance of Being Earnest (Editor’s Note: The story you are about to read is true, and used with permission. The names and some details have been changed to protect the subject’s privacy.) Welcome to the first installment of The Project Dreidel Chronicles. Over the next three weeks, you will be introduced to a few of the Omaha area Jews who have been helped by JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE. The people featured in these stories have graciously agreed to share intimate details of their lives with the community in order to increase awareness of the programs and services offered by JFS that have made such a tremendous difference in their quality of Jewish life. Your gift to the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Campaign supports Jewish Family Service as well as the rest of our Centers of Excellence: the ADL/CRC, the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services and Jewish Senior Services. Your gift to the Federation Campaign is what allows us to take care of each other in Omaha, Israel and 60 other countries around the world. Despite our best efforts, our community needs continue to outpace contributions to the Federation Annual Campaign. Your increased
Inside
Campaign gift ensures that every O m a h a Jewish comm u n i t y member will have access to professional and compassionate help in a Jewish environment. Last year, JFS had 196 requests for assistance--up 39 percent from the year before. So far this year requests for assistance look like they will be the same or slightly higher than last year, but so far, the over all dollar amount per request is 8 percent higher than last year. Each month, JFS gives out an average of $350 in grocery certificates to needy Jewish families. An easy way for you to help is to purchase grocery certificates from Beth El Synagogue or Temple Israel and donate them to JFS. It’s a double mitzvah because the congregations benefit from the certificate sales, too! Ernest Glass had been a client of
This Week: Hanukkah Gift Guide: Page 25 Reform Movement Changes Its Name--Reports from the Biennial: pages 4-5
Jewish Family Service for about three years when Director Steve Stiel’s suspicions that Ernest wasn’t telling him the whole truth were confirmed. Glass was a salesman with off and on money problems throughout the years. Periodically, he’d ask for a loan to get his car fixed, which he needed for his job. Sometimes he said he was waiting on a commission check and needed a few dollars to make it through the end of the month. JFS loaned Glass the money, but when it came time to pay back the money, he started giving Stiel a lot of excuses as to why he couldn’t. Relying on his years of experience in the counseling field and what he noticed in Glass’s behavior, Stiel began to believe that Ernest might have a gambling problem. Finally, Stiel confronted Ernest with his suspicions. Glass just laughed and denied any
problem with gambling. He told Stiel he only went to the casinos rarely and when he did, he only played $20. Ernest stuck to his original stories about the commission check that was sure to come in any day and how unfair it was that he had so many unexpected expenses lately. Stiel didn’t believe Ernest, but decided to let it go for the time being. About a month later, Glass requested another loan from JFS. This time, Stiel had no choice but to deny the loan because of his history of non-payment of the others. Glass became very angry with Stiel, and when Steve again suggested that he get some help for his gambling problem, Glass stormed out of the office. Although Glass still wouldn’t admit it to Stiel, his gambling problem was taking over his life. Instead of the $20 he told Steve he was playing at the casinos, it was more like $400-$500, and Ernest was wiped out. He couldn’t afford to buy gas for his car, so his sales position suffered. He had already hit up everyone in his family for money and they didn’t want to have anything to do with him anymore. Continued on page 3
Coming Next Month: Tax and Financial Planning Issue: Jan. 9
Jewish Press Adds New Columnists: Page 9 Bert’s Eye View: Page 8
If You Gotta Ask: Page 12 Read It and Eat: Page 13 Staying in Touch: Page 18
Teen Age-USY Takes a Turn: Page 15
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 5, 2003
Singing, Candle Lighting, and Gift of Reading to Highlight Temple Israel’s Hanukkah Dinner
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 Bible Quiz Rehearsal, 9 a.m., at Temple Israel Pancake Breakfast, 9 a.m., at Temple Israel Men’s Club Meeting, 10 a.m., at Beth El Adult Education with Dr. Jonathan Adelman, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel Bible Study, 11 a.m., Beth El Social Justice Club/OTYG Event, 1 p.m., at Temple Israel JELS Chanu-Kids, 2 p.m. Progress Tour of New Building, 4 p.m., at Beth Israel
C L I P & MONDAY, DECEMBER 8 S YES Program, 10 a.m. A “Soul of the Text” Adult Ed. Class, 11 a.m. Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m., at Beth Israel V E TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9
C L I P & S A V E
JELS/ADL Lunch & Learn, noon Adult Education, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel UNO Kabbalah Class, 6 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Leukemia Support Group Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Friedel Jewish Academy Open House, 7 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting, 7 p.m., at Beth El Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
C L I P & S A V E
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10 Rabbis and Presidents Meeting, noon B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers, noon, at the Park Inn Regency Lodge Crash Course in Hebrew Reading, noon Rabbinic Council Meeting, 1:30 p.m. Middle/High School Teacher Meeting, 5:30 p.m., at Temple Israel Edward Zorinsky B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz Dinner, 6 p.m. Edward Zorinsky B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz, 7 p.m. Adult Education, 6:30 p.m., at Temple Israel
C L I THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 P Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel & Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. “Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century” with Rabbi Levin, noon, S at Beth El A Yiddish Group Meeting, 1 p.m. V Israeli Dancing, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated.The Jewish Press is not E responsible for the accuracy of events.To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING,VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)
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by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator On the first night of Hanukkah, Friday, Dec. 19, families are invited to a traditional latke and brisket dinner at 6 p.m. at Temple Israel. Each family is encouraged to bring a menorah to light. Shabbat candles will also be lit at each table. Cantor Wendy Shermet promises to lead the singing of some favorite Hanukkah songs at the dinner. Cost for the dinner is $9 for adults and $4.50 for children. Reservations are due by Friday, Dec. 12. For more information, please call the Temple office at 5566536. Shabbat worship services will follow at 7:30 p.m. Kol Rina, Temple’s adult choir, will sing during services adding to the joyful celebration of the Festival of Lights. kindergarten through sixth grade children, who are enrolled in Temple’s Religious School, will help lead the Hanukkah candle blessing and Shehecheyanu during services along with some well known Hanukkah songs. Everyone celebrating December birthdays will be called up for birthday blessings during services. “It should be a noisy and fun night!” said Cantor Shermet. In addition, to enhance the meaning of Hanukkah, individuals and families are asked to consider giving the gift of reading during the holiday.
“Students at Castelar Academy, an elementary school in the Omaha Public School District, “need our help,” said Temple’s Program Director Rosie Zweiback. She explained that most of the students are from families who speak only Spanish at home. “Most of the kids are struggling to learn to read, because no one in their homes is able to read aloud to them in English. The school is trying to build a lending library of children’s books with attached cassettes so that children can take them home, listen to the tapes, and follow along with the text.” If enough books are collected, the school would like to give each child one to keep. “Please consider giving the gift of books and reading to the students at Castelar,” Zweiback urged. “Use the resources you would spend on family gifts for one night, and instead, purchase books with tapes to donate to our adopted school. You can even record tapes of your favorite books to make the gifts more personal,” she suggested. Temple will collect the books and tapes in the office throughout the month of December and donate them to Castelar in January when the faculty and students move back into their renovated building. “To make the Hanukkah connection,” Zweiback mentioned, “feel free to bring your books and tapes to the Hanukkah dinner on Dec.19.” Several families of Castelar students are expected to attend the Hanukkah dinner at Temple.
Nearly 30 Teens to Participate in Bible Quiz
Enjoy a “Very Special” Shabbat Experience
by LOIS EPSTEIN for B’nai B’rith Twenty-eight Omaha area teens have signed up to compete in the 18th Annual Edward Zorinsky B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz, set for Wednesday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. “It’s a lively contest and is open to the public,” said Steve Riekes, a Trustee of Henry Monsky Lodge. The contest is specifically designed for Jewish high school students in Omaha. This year, it will test the teens' familiarity with portions of the Books of Exodus and Ruth. The Lodge will award first, second, third and fourth place scholarship money for use at college or a Jewish camp. For the third year, at the conclusion of the contest, the Lodge will give out a $10 cash prize to all participants who answer three questions correctly. The winner will receive $25. There is no charge to attend. Quiz committee members Gloria Kaslow and Stan Mitchell prepared the questions for the contest. Members of the Omaha Board of Rabbis will lend their expertise as judges, along with Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, the Klutznick Professor of Jewish Civilization at Creighton University. Participants include: Sam Edelstein, Nathan Fineman, Ben Gerber, Adam Gendelman, Abby Ginsburg, Lev Ginsburg, Corey Green, Josh Grossman, Shayna Kurland, Stephanie Lehman, Steve Lercher, Samantha Long, Marty Nachman, Aron Neesman, Jacquelyn Neesman, Robert Mosenkis, Aron Neesman, Daniel Ocanto, Aaron Passer, Joel Passer, Rebekah Priluck, Alex Raksin, Dena Rennard, Naomi Rennard, Josh Sweet, Gal Tsabari, Adam Trubnikov, David Trubnikov and Marc Wertheim. Prior to the contest, participants, as well as all high school religious school classes are invited to a dinner at the JCC. The program, held in conjunction with Jewish Book Month, is open to the community without charge.
by RABBI B.P. SIMON for Beth Israel Synagogue What is it about Shabbat that makes it different from the rest of the week? Across the vast spectrum of the Jewish world, the largest commonality in the Shabbat experience is the opportunity Shabbat provides us to separate ourselves from the hustle-and-bustle of the week and refocus on our “inner selves”, our family and friends. It was with that idea in mind that over the last few years Beth Israel initiated its monthly Shabbos House on Omaha’s west side. The Shabbos House has been hosted in someone’s house and usually lasts two hours. It provides a special program for school-age children while the “grownups” can schmooze in another part of the house. For the very first time, Beth Israel will be having a Shabbos House so big, it’s taking over the whole house for the whole Shabbat! This special Shabbos House will be hosted at our home, 1230 So. 118th Street. On Friday evening, Dec.12, the weekly Beth Israel West Minyan will be at our home at 4:40 p.m., followed by a traditional Shabbat dinner at 5:45 p.m. On Saturday, Dec. 13, following Shabbat morning services at Chabad of Nebraska, 1866 So. 120 St., we will host Shabbat lunch at 1:15 p.m. The Shabbos House program will begin with schmoozing at 3 p.m., with parallel programs running from 4-4:45 p.m. During this program time, students in preKindergarten through second grade will participate in “Hanukkah Stories and Games”; third through eighth graders will enjoy “The Story of Hanukkah: What is a Syrian-Greek and Aren’t the Maccabees a Soccer Team?” A session for teens and adults will address “Hanukkah: Why Eight Days?” The day will culminate with Shalosh Suedot, the third meal of Shabbat, at 4:45 p.m., followed by Ma’ariv, 6 p.m., and Havdalah at 6:15 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend any or all parts of this special Shabbat (you don't have to be a kid or have kids!). This is an opportunity to enjoy the Shabbat experience with our friends (both current and the new ones we’ll meet at the event) and family. For those who want to envelop themselves in the total Shabbat experience, home hospitality (i.e. sleeping arrangement at our house or within walking distance of our home) will be available by contacting the synagogue office. Please make a reservation for meals with the office by calling 556-6288 by Dec. 9.
Comedian to Benefit Beth El Continued from page 1 In addition to the comedy show, Alper will also be serving as scholar in residence the weekend of Jan. 30. All tickets are tax-deductible and are as follows: Platinum: George Burn’s Balabatim, $180 (includes Saturday luncheon, post-show reception, signed CD and comic book; Gold: Seinfeld’s Circle: $54 (includes post-show reception and autographed CD); Silver: Groucho’s Groupees, $36 (includes post-show reception and comic book); and Copper: Gilda’s Gigglers, $18 (includes post-show reception). For tickets and further information, please call Beth El at 492-8550.
December 5, 2003
Project Dreidel Chronicles Continued from page 1 Finally, 18 months after Ernest Glass raged out of the Jewish Family Service offices, he came back for help. He told Steve Stiel how he had never been angrier with anyone than he was with Steve that day in the office. He told him how hard it had been denying he needed help and how he had alienated his loved ones. The two men worked together and slowly Ernest began turning his life around. Part of the recovery plan they put together was to help him stay out of the casinos. Stiel made a deal with Ernest to bring in the preferred customer incentive coupons that the casinos were sending him, some worth $100 or more towards cash and food. In exchange for the casino incentives, Stiel gave Glass grocery certificates for half the value, and the other half went towards paying off his debt to Jewish Family Service. Stiel told Glass this arrangement would continue as long as he stayed away from the casinos. One day, Ernest walked into the office and told Steve that the tires on his car were bad and needed to be replaced. Immediately, Steve thought to himself, “Oh no…he’s going to ask me for more money.” Instead, Ernest said, “I want you to know that I was able to save up enough money to pay for the tires outright! It was the best day of my life to be able to pay for those tires myself without borrowing money from anyone!” Things were going very well for Ernest Glass. He was paying back his debts. He was mending the fences with his family. He was starting to feel happy. Glass had been able to stay away from the casinos for a year-and-a-half. Then, in a cruel twist of fate, Ernest was diagnosed with end-stage prostate cancer and died shortly thereafter at the age of 56. Ernest’s struggle and resolution left a huge impression on Steve Stiel and those who knew him. Ernest was a man who learned the hard way how to overcome his pride and learned the importance of being earnest. For more information on how you can help, call JFS at 330-2024 or the Jewish Federation at 334-6438.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Economic Signs May Be Improving, but Times Still Tough for Israel’s Poor by DINA KRAFT the National Insurance JERUSALEM (JTA)-Institute. Crumbs tumble down Yigal A study of some 150,000 Alperson’s white beard as households, released this he eats his one guaranteed month by the JDCmeal of the day at a crowdBrookdale Institute, found ed Jerusalem soup kitchen. that 8% were having severe Tables spill over with difficulty buying enough immigrants, the elderly and food. single mothers, the predomMeanwhile, Finance inant faces of Israel’s poor Minister Benjamin as the country’s economy is Netanyahu’s announcement battered seemingly from last month that Israel’s every direction. recession was over sparked Three years of Palestinian a storm of protest. violence have scared away Netanyahu swiftly backinvestors, a worldwide ecotracked from his remarks, nomic downturn has devassaying instead that there tated Israel’s once thriving were signs of economic high-tech industry, factories recovery. are closing because of forExports are up and that’s eign competition, and gova good sign, said Karnit ernment cutbacks in welfare Flug, who heads the Bank and social spending in of Israel’s research departresponse to a $6 billion Needy Israelis eat at the Meier Panim soup kitchen in ment. The stock market also deficit have taken their toll. Jerusalem. CREDIT: Brian Hendler/JTA has risen in recent months. “My situation is difficult. But it’s still too early to tell We don’t have anything to eat,” says Alperson, 66, an if Israel is headed toward better economic times anyunemployed statistician who supports his wife and five time soon, Flug said. children on the $888 he receives each month from There is a lot of uncertainty about the “security issue Israel’s national insurance system. “This is security, you and prospects for improvement of the geopolitical situaknow,” he said pointing to a plate piled high with tion,” Flug said. “The ability of Israel to utilize its potential steaming pasta, chicken cutlets and green beans at Meir growth will depend on improvement in these areas” Panim, a soup kitchen designed to look like a restauThe government has argued that the economy’s probrant. “At least you know you’ll be eating today.” lems stem not only from the intifada but from more inherIsrael’s unemployment rate is near 11%; almost 18% ent problems in the structure of Israeli industry. To of families are living in poverty and the number of address these problems, Israel is trying to privatize many poverty-stricken children is on the rise. Israel now has state-owned companies to boost competitiveness. one of the highest poverty rates in the developed It has begun aggressively deporting foreign workers, world, according to 2002 statistics released recently by Continued on page 6
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 5, 2003
Reform Movement Changes Name and is Urged to “Go Forth” with New Initiatives Temple Israel Delegates Return with Enthusiasm and Commitment
Biennial Trip Strengthens Old Connection and Forges New Ones for Lincoln Delegation
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Jews identify with the Reform Movement Temple Israel Communications Coordinator than with any other.” One hundred and thirty years after it In his presidential sermon, Rabbi Yoffie was founded, the Reform Movement said, Reform Jews “have a special duty to voted to change its name from the Union of American H e b r e w Congregations to the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ). The overwhelming majority vote came at the Union’s 67th Biennial convention in November in Minneapolis. Among the 4,500 delegates at the convention were Gary Kaplan, left, President of Temple Israel; Sally Kaplan; Magda nearly 30 from Peck; Ducky Milder; and Mike Walts, immediate Past-president of Temple Israel. Temple’s Board; were among nearly 30 delegates from Omaha who “…since our attended the Biennial. founding, Reform congregations and the Union that serves world Jewry and Jews in distress. We turn them have undergone radical changes, our attention...to the State of Israel, which growing into the largest and most has a special hold on our soul.” dynamic religious movement in North He asked synagogue leaders to build American Jewish life,” said Rabbi Eric the (Reform) Movement in Eastern Yoffie, president of the Union. “The time Europe, the former Soviet Union, and has come for our name to reflect that.” Israel. He proposed that every member Allison Tatarsky, President of NFTY, congregation of the Union “adopt a projthe Reform Movement’s youth affiliate, ect of support for a Reform Jewish comurged the delegates to approve the munity in Israel or in Eastern Europe.” name. “We are the future,” she said, “and “We have a problem,” mentioned we need you …to give us a name that Rabbi Yoffie. “American Jews have less says who we are.” and less feeling of peoplehood. What “The name change positions us for the happens to Jews in Israel and elsewhere 21st century,” said Gary Kaplan, around the world does not seem to be in President of Temple Israel. any way central to their lives.” He railed Kaplan noted that “although it’s not against those who see Judaism as somestated formally in the name, the mission thing strictly personal. “There is no such continues to be the support of Reform thing as Lone Ranger Judaism. Our peocongregations in North America. ple are an extended family, and our famAccording to the National Jewish ily is under siege. Population Survey significantly more Continued on page 5
by SARAH KELEN for Congregation B'nai Jeshurun Four members of Congregation B'nai Jeshurun, Lincoln’s South Street Temple, attended the UAHC (now URJ) national Biennial in Minneapolis last month: Rabbi Debbie Stiel, President Amy Zlotsky, Barb Straus, the Director of the Temple's Paula Storch Williams Religious School and this writer, Vice-president of B’nai Jeshurun. While at the Biennial, Barb Straus and I, who teaches the Bet class in the Temple’s Religious School, attended panels dealing with Religious School administration, youth curriculum, and intergenerational learning. Our travel was subsidized by funds from the Lincoln Federation for religious school development. Zlotsky attended a number of panels dealing with the “big picture” aspects of synagogue management. For all three of the congregation’s lay leaders, it was their first national biennial, and all were exited and energized by the experience. A particular benefit of the Biennial for the B’nai Jeshurun contingent was the opportunity to attend workshops highlighting the particular challenges of operating a small synagogue. Although all synagogues share the same concerns (raising money, engaging congregants, educating both children and adults), it takes different skills, tactics, and resources to run a religious school with four classes total than it does to run one with four classes per grade level. Meeting presidents, educators, administrators, rabbis and other leaders from small congregations allowed the B’nai Jeshurun members to gather ideas from others in similarly sized congregations and to share solutions to common problems. For Rabbi Stiel, the Biennial offered these opportunities and more, as she got
From Our Family To Yours...
a chance to catch up with members of her former congregations in Ames, Iowa and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, along with a number of other colleagues within the Union. The members of the Lincoln delegation also got a chance to schmooze with their I-80 “neighbors” from Omaha as well. Nebraskans were well represented at the Midwest Regional Dinner, where members of Congregation B'nai Jeshurun and Temple Israel gathered to share a meal and to remind ourselves of the many relationships among our congregations’ families. Sally Kaplan, now of Omaha, heard the news of Lincoln congregants she grew up with in the South Street Temple, and Temple Israel’s Executive Director Michelle Shkolnick heard the Lincolnites praise her cousin, Marc Shkolnick, for all of his work on the B’nai Jeshurun board. Another happy reunion shared by the members of the Lincoln delegation was the opportunity to spend some time with Audrie Berman, the South Street Temple's former Religious School Director, now the director of the Religious School at Congregation Sinai in Milwaukee, WI. Other friends from Congregation B’nai Jeshurun’s past at the Biennial included Rabbi Henry Karp, who served the congregation in the early 1980s, and Rabbi Jonathan Adland from Indianapolis, whose family were founding members of B’nai Jeshurun, and whose greatgrandfather, Morris Friend, was the President of the congregation exactly 100 years ago! The Biennial offered members of Lincoln’s Jewish community an opportunity to make new connections and to strengthen old connections with other Reform Jews around North America, but in his Presidential Sermon at the Shabbat Continued on page 5
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for undertaking a significant program “of community service…demonstrating Judaism’s commitment to making the world a better place in which to live.” Sara Rips, 17, and her sister Anne, 14, Omaha Central High School students, attended the NFTY leadership component of the Biennial. “It’s an amazing experience,” confirmed Sara, “because the youth are not taken just as youth but are allowed to vote, and their voices are heard the same as members of the WRJ and regular members of the Union.” Michelle Shkolnick, Temple’s executive director, attended the National Association of Temple Administrators annual convention which preceded the opening of the Biennial. One of 18 winners, Temple’s Middle/High School Social Justice Club received an award for social action for undertaking a significant program “of community service…demonstrating Judaism’s commitment to making the world a better place in which to live.” Sara Rips, 17, and her sister Anne, 14, Omaha Central High School students, attended the NFTY leadership component of the Biennial. “It’s an amazing experience,” confirmed Sara, “because the youth are not taken just as youth but are allowed to vote, and their voices are heard the same as members of the WRJ and regular members of the Union.” Allie Willensky, a freshman at the University of Michigan, attended the Kesher or college program. Her mother, Andi Willensky, along with Omaha WRJ President Stacey Rockman and five other WRJ members attended the WRJ Assembly which occurred at the same time as the Biennial. WRJ delegates passed a resolution to be more involved in reproductive choice, said Rockman. Rabbi Yoffie stated, “We are deeply concerned about the growing threat to a woman’s right to choose. Reform Jews are not pro-abortion…” but they “are emphatically pro-choice; we see women as moral agents who must be free to consult their religious principles and their conscience…if it is okay…to fight and die for their country, then it is okay for them to make decisions about their own bodies.”
Kripke Library to Host “Chanu-kids” Book Sale by SUSAN ROTHHOLZ and SUZANNE SINGER Co-Chairmen, Kripke Library Books with Jewish themes make a perfect Hanukkah gift for children, grandchildren or young friends. A wonderful selection will be available, beginning Sunday, Dec. 7 at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library, continuing through Hanukkah. However, this Sunday, from 2-4 p.m., while you browse through books for children of all ages, kids from preschool through third grade will be entertained at the “Chanu-kids” party in the library. A clown will make balloons, a magician will perform his tricks, and Rita Paskowitz will be weaving her tales. Volunteers will read favorite books and, of course, there will be games, treats and favors. Bring the children to join in the fun and do your Hanukkah shopping early.
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Temple Israel Delegates Return Continued from page 4 Turning to domestic issues, Rabbi Yoffie criticized the Bush Administration’s economic policies. “Our government is the first in the history of our country to ask the sons and daughters of working men and women to risk their lives in war while asking the wealthy to pay less in taxes...This is a time for real patriotism, which means foregoing a measure of privilege in the name of the greater good.” However, Rabbi Yoffie praised President Bush for his support of Israel and asked the Administration to stay involved in finding a way to make a two-state solution a reality. The Reform leader also asked that the government of Israel “dismantle illegal outposts and freeze all other settlement activity.” He raised the issue due to “the threat that settlements pose to Israel’s sovereign survival.” “Palestinian leaders have begun to promote a one-state solution,” Rabbi Yoffie said. “They make this proposal knowing that this territory will soon have an Arab majority and that a single state will mean the end of Israel. Surely the Jewish people did not dream of Zion for 2,000 years in order to be a minority in somebody else’s state.” Calling on Reform Jews to spend ten minutes a day studying a Jewish text, he proposed adopting a curriculum to prepare students for college and joining with a church to institute serious interfaith dialogue. Four Christian denominations will urge their churches to join with Reform synagogues in interfaith dialogue and study. They are the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Church USA, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Ducky Milder, an Omaha delegate to the Biennial, described Yoffie’s sermon as “superb” and the Biennial as “a real shot in the arm. There were so many incredible speakers, the music was stimulating, and the services were wonderful and creative.” Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of Temple Israel was a co-facilitator for a joint Union-Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) forum on The Synagogue and the North American Jewish Future as well as another on Reinvigorating Adult Education. Temple Israel was one of 11 congregations honored for exceptional, varied, and comprehensive adult learning programs. “Seventy-one congregations applied for this award, and the creativity and energy they showed bowled us over,” said Rabbi Jan Katzew, director of the URJ Department of Lifelong Jewish Learning. “We were truly amazed at the quality of adult Jewish learning that exists in Reform synagogues.” Temple’s Cantor Wendy Shermet was one of the music leaders of an outreach service introduced by former Temple Board President and past Union Board Vice President Jane Rips. Cantor Shermet also shared a presentation on new Shabbat music and led Z’mirot and blessings for a regional Shabbat lunch session and for the Shabbat regional dinner which she co-led. Michelle Shkolnick, Temple’s executive director, attended the National Association of Temple Administrators annual convention which preceded the opening of the Biennial. One of 18 winners, Temple’s Middle/High School Social Justice Club received an award for social action
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Biennial Trip for Lincoln Continued from page 4 to build synagogues; promorning service, Rabbi viding financial assistance Eric Yoffie reminded the for Reform rabbinical stuassembled congregation dents at the seminary in some 4,500 strong that Israel; and providing the North American training for congregationReform movement has an al leaders in Eastern obligation to our peers Europe and the Former beyond the boundaries Soviet Union as they of this continent, where work to rebuild onceReform Judaism is both thriving but long dormant strong and safe. Jewish communities. In his sermon, he introAt Congregation B’nai duced the “Hineini” iniJeshurun's annual meettiative, asking each URJ ing on Sunday, Jan. 4, congregation to adopt 2004, congregants will one of three projects select which of the three between this Biennial Members of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun Barb Straus (far left), projects to support. and the next, and to raise Sarah Kelen (second from left), Amy Zlotsky (second from right), Attending the Biennial funds as a grassroots and Rabbi Debbie Stiel (far right) reunite with former Religious gave all of the Lincoln effort, member family by School director Audrie Berman (center) at the Biennial. delegation a renewed member family, so that sense of connection to North American Jews can join together to support our the North American Reform movement, and the Hineini colleagues in places where Reform or Progressive Initiative takes that one step further, connecting North Judaism has less of a voice or less financial security. American congregations to our counterparts in the The three projects he outlined are: supporting two greater Jewish world. new Reform congregations in Israel and helping them
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Roots’ Course for Beth El Students to Offer Identity-Building Experience by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue If we expect our children to make a meaningful commitment to Jewish culture and religion, we must help them feel connected to the teachings of Torah, the ancestors of our people, and their individual forebears. On one level it’s an issue of proactively building positive Jewish identity. That’s what Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah is about to accomplish, in part, by reviving a previously offered course called “Roots: The Jewish Immigration Experience.” The high-school elective, scheduled to begin in January after winter break, will bring to life the development of American Jewry. To culminate their learning, the students will travel to New York when they’ve completed the course. The Murray. H. and Sharee C, Newman Supporting Foundation awarded a $3,000 grant to BESTT to subsidize the trip. Additional funding is necessary, and is now being sought, in the hope that each of the students will be responsible for no more than half the cost. Margo Riekes and Francee Altman, longtime BESTT Margo Riekes educators, are developing
the “Roots” course within a framework of Jewish history and literature. First, students will learn about the terrible conditions in Eastern Europe that caused so many Jews to emigrate in the late 1800s and early 1900s, said Riekes. Next, they will explore the difficult realities immigrants faced in the New World, including tenement living, sweat shop working conditions, and discord between the generations. This area of learning will provide indepth understanding of the growth of the social justice movement in which so many Jews took an active role. The course will highlight guest speakers to share immigration experiences and feature creative learning projects, Altman noted. These may include the development of individual family trees, composing descriptive letters “to family left behind,” and writing to ask advice from the “Dear Abby” of the era, the “Bintel Briefs” column of The Jewish Daily Forward. In New York, the students will tour Ellis Island, the Lower East Side and Brooklyn; visit the Jewish Theological Seminary, the Jewish Museum, and synagogues of historical significance; and enjoy a Broadway show and meals Francee Altman at kosher restaurants.
Israel’s Poor Continued from page 3 the Jewish state has one of the highest rates of foreign laborers in the world, experts say. Whether or not Israelis are interested in taking these unskilled jobs remains to be seen. Another government project, reducing welfare support payments for the poor, is expected to increase poverty rates, the JDC-Brookdale study found. By setting a time limit for unemployment benefits, for example, the government hopes to encourage people to go back to work. But in Israel's present economy, finding work is increasingly difficult. The reforms “in the short term create a lot more poverty,” said Jack Habib, a social economist who directs the JDC-Brookdale Institute. “More people are in need, but all the services they need are being cut back.” Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein is the president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, which funds soup kitchens across the country, as well as a network of warehouses where the needy can receive free furniture and other household goods. The government is embarrassed by how its stringent new fiscal policies are affecting the country, Eckstein claims. Such policies “have changed the face of Israel. Now the question is how to portray the public image of Israel,” Eckstein said. “No one wants to portray it as a third-world nation, but to portray it as an idyllic place where everything is hunky-dory is morally and practically wrong.” The government is defending its policies, taking out ads in the national press saying the reforms are the only way to help the economy. Netanyahu says the cuts are necessary if Israel wants to have a modern economy. Critics say other solutions--such as raising taxes and
investing massively in infrastructure--could ignite growth and, in turn, boost tax revenue. According to recent surveys, however, most Israelis think the economy is suffering because of the intifada and won’t improve until the diplomatic impasse is resolved. In fact, it’s not only unskilled workers who are having trouble finding work: As the economy slides, the highly educated also feel the pinch. Leah Rizel, 34, has a master’s degree in human genetics and has worked for several years in genetics labs. For the past five months, however, she has been unable to find work. At this point, she said, “I’ll do anything for a job because I have bills to pay and a child to raise.” It can be overwhelming “to see the amount of educated people, people with degrees, at the unemployment office,” she said. “Getting an education these days does not mean you are going to get a job.” On Jerusalem’s Ben-Yehuda Street, the city’s oncebustling pedestrian shopping mall, the situation is grim. Repeated terror attacks have kept both tourists and locals away. Shop owners say they barely clear $220 a week. “Zero. There is nothing,” snapped Yosef Zakai, owner of a Judaica shop. “Except for someone calling from the United States for a Star of David, there is nothing. There is no work.” A few doors down, a man named Yosef said he wasn’t sure how much longer he could afford to run the women's clothing store his parents opened in 1949. “This is the hardest period ever for the store,” he said. a cross from his shop, he pointed out names etched on a memorial plaque--eight victims of a 2001 suicide bombing. “Here one died,” he said, pointing at a corner of stone pavement. “Here another, here another.”
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Zimbabwe’s Jews--Rich Past, Little Future THE HISTORIAN’S F OOTPRINT by OLIVER B. POLLAK Bulawayo’s, Zimbabwe’s second city, lost its 90-year-old synagogue to fire erev Yom Kippur in early October. Bulawayo’s Jewish population has declined to 148 from its 1960s peak of 3000. During 1920-21, the Chief Rabbi of Great Britain, Joseph Hertz, visited South Africa, Rhodesia, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Slovakian-born Hertz graduated from the Jewish Theological Seminary and took up Johannesburg’s Hebrew Congregation in 1894 where he served until 1912. Hertz’s loyalty to the British during the Boer War recommended him to Lord Milner and Lionel de Rothschild, and Hertz became Chief Rabbi in 1913. The Chief Rabbi corresponded overseas about cemeteries, kashrut, divorce, conversion, funeral customs, mixed choirs, the role of women, synagogue seating, recommending rabbis for pulpits, lost relatives, and maintaining the integrity of traditional progressive orthodox worship. British Jewry decided to commemorate their Great War dead with the Jewish War Memorial. The Empire had 425,000 Jews, 10,000 volunteered before conscription, and by the end of the war, 50,000 had served and 8,674 gave their lives. The memorial would endow Jewish religious education, build a theological college at Cambridge or Oxford, and train more teachers and rabbis. The memory of the “battle of freedom and righteousness” in which “our brave dead” made their loyal contribution would endure in education about Torah, a living monument nobler than bronze and marble. Hertz addressed a Pastoral Letter in June, 1920, to the Imperial congregations. He asserted a common citizenship for Jews between the Mother Country and the colonies. He sought to solve vital problems--“the crying problem of adequate Jewish Religious Education of the young” and providing every congregation with “a properly trained minister” to teach Holy Torah. He encouraged Zionism while buttressing Jewish loyalty to England. At his farewell banquet in London he recalled his experience in South Africa, “the youngest of the Empire’s Jewries” in “His Majesty’s world-encircling Empire.” He hoped to make the Five Nations of the Empire, though separated like five fingers, “to form one strong hand, one mighty arm.” Dr. Chaim Weizmann “felt sure that the Chief Rabbi would wish to include Palestine in his itinerary.” Cecil Rhodes founder of the British South Africa
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Company and namesake of Rhodesia, stated, “My coun- ments to the strongly developed Jewish consciousness try is all right if the Jews come.” By 1921, Rhodesia of overseas Jewry,” unmatched in England. However, numbered about 1350 Jews, 3.8 per cent of the the poor quality of Jewish education in Bulawayo European population. Sixty per cent lived around shocked him. The children read parrot-like, and did not Bulawayo and the balance around Salisbury [Harari]. know the meaning of Hebrew, the blessings or Jewish Hertz’s itinerary, widely publicized in the Jewish festivals. Some did not know about Abraham and Chronicle, included Kimberley, Bloemfontein, Pretoria Joseph and some responded that “Moses was God’s and Johannesburg. In Bulawayo, Hertz discussed pros- son.” elytes, the Beth Din, Orthodox practices, and urged Hertz feared for the vitality of small Jewish commuSouthern African Jewry to unite and establish a uniform nities far from centers of Jewish education and qualified practice. Rhodesia, the “youngest civilized country,” ministers. While the Chief Rabbi was welcomed shakconfronted a dearth of ministers and teachers and the ing money loose in behalf of the one million pound potential of straying from being “Jewish Jews.” Memorial was another matter. Bulawayo opened a Bulawayo’s Mayor suggested that Eastern European Guild Hall in 1923 to honor Jews who died in the Boer conditions might considerably increase Jewish immi- and Great War. gration into the Empire where “a man was judged by Hertz’s concern could not anticipate the Holocaust, his work and not by his religious opinions.” The the creation of the State of Israel or decolonization with Bulawayo Chronicle editorial commended Jews as “one their consequence of shrinking imperial Jewish comof the greatest assets of humanity” whose “very virtues” munities. He did foster the editing of the Socino Press often “condemn it in the eyes of people” with similar edition of The Pentateuch and Haftorahs that was stanvirtues. dard scripture in the Conservative movement from 1936 Hertz’s sermon, “Family Life To-Day, Parents Taken to the middle 1990s. to Task” drew from Isaac blessing his son Jacob. Modern parents did not sufficiently realize their sacred Oliver Pollak and his wife, Karen, lived in responsibility of parenthood and the duty of supplying Rhodesia (now known as Zimbabwe) from 1971religious education. He distributed prizes at a 74, where he taught history at the University of Hanukkah party. Rhodesia. Pollak, an attorney and historian, is Hertz gave a public lecture, “The Bible as a Book” at co-founder of the Nebraska Jewish Historical the Grand Hotel. This lecture given about 20 times, fre- Society and often lectures on Jewish historical quently to mixed Jewish and Gentile audiences, with topics. He can be reached at: OBPOmni@aol.com. mayors, governors or justices in the chair, was heard by more than 30,000 people during the course of his tour. by DIANE AXLER BAUM Synergy is planning a Hanukkah Hertz’s trip to Salisbury for Beth El Synagogue party for Tuesday, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m., was canceled because of Beth El members in the 22-35 age at the home of Cantor Gastón and Lena uncertainty over shipping range, married or single, are invited to Bogomolni. The event will be the first arrangements to Australia. connect with the new Synagogue since last month’s successful brunch at Salisbury’s Jews were disap- Network Group for Young Adults. the home of Holly and David Weill. pointed they could not They’re calling themselves “Synergy,” For more information about the show their new £3000 and they intend to spend “many enjoy- Hanukkah party or the group, please Communal Guildhall. They able times together,” said Andrea Scioli, call Anna Besser, at 898-5505. were no doubt further mor- a founding member. tified when they read Hertz’s published account that called Bulawayo “the by DIANE AXLER BAUM pursuing this art form to meet on principal city of Rhodesia.” Sunday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m. to noon, at Publicly Hertz affirmed for Beth El Synagogue Beth El members are starting a group the synagogue. To reserve your spot that his labors were “amply rewarded.” He “found to increase the effectiveness of keeping for creativity and the sharing of techJewish hearts throbbing and displaying their treasured memen- niques, call Holly, at 493-5126. Or get with enthusiasm for all tos. Holly Weill has taken the lead in in touch with Harriet Einziger, Program forms of Jewish endeavor” founding the Beth El Scrapbooking Director, at the office, 492-8550 or proand synagogues “monu- Club. She invites others interested in gramming@bethel-omaha.org.
Beth El’s New ‘Synergy’ Slates Hanukkah Party
Beth El to Initiate Scrapbooking Club
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December 5, 2003
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BERT’S EYE VIEW by BERT LEWIS
I was looking for menu suggestions recently, in preparation for the holidays...Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, etc. This is something I always do, for several reasons. First, I enjoy looking through food magazines and cookbooks; and secondly, I really think I’ll find something new. All of which, of course, turns out to be nonsense, because I end up preparing the traditional dishes always expected at certain holidays. Still, when a recipe claims it’s a new approach to stuffing for the turkey, I have to check it out. That’s what I was doing when it occurred to me I’ve been making the exact same recipe for stuffing since I was a bride. Literally. I’m certain I was complaining to a woman I worked with 58 years ago, about the trouble I had with dressing for my first roasted turkey. She listened patiently, told me what I was doing wrong, and wrote instructions for me to follow next time. I did. And with very minor changes or additions, I’ve been doing it like that ever since. Immodestly, I have to tell you it’s pretty darn good and always a winner. So what’s my point? I’m not sure, unless maybe it’s proof that once in a while, the old tried and true still works. For that matter, at the risk of sounding like somebody who never changes, I admit my chili recipe is also as old as my marriage. The newspaper I took it from doesn’t even publish anymore, but my kitchen is still open and we still think the chili is the best. While I’m admitting things, I should say that I don’t use quite so much chili powder as I did when we (and our digestive tracts) were much younger. Nobody has to stop, midbowl, to wipe eyes or blow noses like in the old days, but I wouldn’t change the basic recipe for anything! As Hanukkah approaches, potato latkes come to mind. What can anybody do to change those? Not much, but if you start at the very beginning, you know it’s easier to make them pareve now then in the old days before the food processor replaced the grater. (which often included knuckles of the careless!). There are a few variations, but essentially most cooks make them just like their mothers did. Of course you can buy them in a box now, and convert them from something dry and dehydrated into something freshly cooked and very home-made looking, but be sure to get the box into the trash before anyone sees it! And if you’re a Jewish lady making a holiday dinner, how often does the word brisket come to mind? Very often I’d guess, if I’m to believe the conversation I hear when women get together and talk about such things. Most fix them like they first learned, probably in Mom’s kitchen, but there are many adventurous souls who have found some of the newer approaches. And don’t you wonder what the old time cooks did before heavy duty aluminum foil and liquid smoke, for instance? And how the heck did anyone get lovely, thin slices before the electric knife appeared in our kitchens? Well, all this started because I was looking for some ideas to introduce a new look to the holiday table. Come to think of it, what’s wrong with doing it like we always did? Isn’t that what we call tradition? And isn’t it tradition that makes yomtov such a meaningful time? Those of us who have been married for a long time have created our own special traditions, maybe straying a bit from the way our folks did. The young families are at Chapter I, just now making their own traditions. Sometimes Mom is reluctant to accept the invitation to her daughter’s (or daughter-in-law’s) table at holiday time. Maybe the feeling of being replaced is making her less than gracious, but we shouldn’t feel like that. Let the younger women take a turn at making their dining rooms a crowded, warm hamisha place for the family to gather. Tradition! That’s how it happens. This is the place where I tell you I’ll still make my stuffing with day old challah, and I’ll still (cholesterol notwithstanding) use lots of eggs, and the moisture will still come from the broth the giblets cooked in, the food police be damned! Yes, the recipe is 58-years-old, and you know what? I’m going keep right on using it. End of story! Bert Lewis can be reached at Bertlewis39@aol.com.
December 5, 2003
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
Jewish Press Adds New Columnists to its Lineup by CAROL KATZMAN Editor, Jewish Press In addition to the half-dozen feature columns currently published in the Jewish Press, the Press Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha has approved the addition of four new columns, all by Omaha writers, that will appear throughout the year. Writers include (ladies first, in alphabetical order) Jill Belmont, Ozzie Nogg, Madga Peck and Bernie Meyers. “Some of the names might be familiar to our readers, but every one of the columns is brand new!” explained Joanie Jacobson, Chairman of the Jewish Press Committee. “For years, the Jewish Press has consistently offered interesting and engaging feature columns by talented and capable writers. We’re not changing anything, we're just adding more fuel to the fire.” Here’s the scoop on “Who’s who” and “What’s what.” Writer Jill Belmont, 43, is a native Omahan who holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Colorado. She has freelanced for the Jewish Press for the past 21 years and is looking forward to contributing her opinions and observations through her column--to appear in an issue next month. “This is such a great opportunity to write about the little slices of life,” she said, “those everyday things all of us have in common: family relationships, life changes and milestones. Most of what I’ll write will be light fare, nothing earth-shattering, but I may have to indulge myself in an outburst of opinion every now and then! Whatever the case, I’ll just be adding my two cents to the mix, and suggest that anything I put forth be taken ‘With a Grain of Salt!’” Ozzie Nogg offers her own special way of “Staying In Touch.” She lives with her husband, Don, on the top floor of the rehabbed Skinner Macaroni and Noodle Factory. From her bedroom window, she has a clear view of the Central Police Station, the main firehouse and The Bittersweet Lounge in Council Bluffs...perhaps, we’ll stop there.
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to improve the health and well-being of women, children and families. “Our families and the people we meet every day give us the material from which to learn,” says Peck. “The column will be stories from the heart with a little Jill Belmont Bernie Meyers Ozzie Nogg Magda Peck touch of soul... Nogg has (so far) earned a dollar or two as an adver- ‘Metaphorically Speaking.’” (And it will make its tising exec, graphic designer, photographer, silk-screen appearance in next week’s issue.) artist, calligrapher, storyteller, short story writer and proAnd last, but certainly not least (excuse the cliche, gram director of Beth E1 Synagogue. Her first “Staying in but “when the shoe fits”)--meet Bernie Meyers. Let’s let Touch” column appeared Oct. 3; you’ll find her second Bernie do the talking. column on page 18 in this week’s issue. A long-time con“Hi there. I’m Vicki Perlmeter’s father, and I awoke tributor to the Jewish Press and other papers around the on my 78th birthday a couple of weeks ago to learn country, she hopes her column will “make readers smile- that I was only 77. Good. Another year to fritter away. -or cry--and say, ‘Ain’t it the truth.’” That same day, I was commissioned to write my autoNow considered “a woman of a certain age,” Nogg biography, in 13 words or less. I hadn’t planned to start still questions what she wants to really do with her life on it until four or five days after I died, but the puband often threatens to “stuff some stuff in a grocery bag lisher made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. and run away from home to find the answer.” She is, I really enjoy writing. I entertain myself and find writhowever, afraid to fly or drive, so her “travel options ing and venting my spleen to be a cathartic answer to are limited.” Thankfully, according to Ozzie, her hus- life's little problems. I write about bizarre events that band of nearly 50 years and her children and grand- are treated in a serious manner, and serious events that children are “all very good sports. Very.” are treated in a bizarre manner--all in my very own Magda Peck describes herself as a “contemporary bizarre manner. wordsmith who renders lessons learned from everyday “I am a card-carrying member of ‘Curmedgeons stories.” Adult learning and social justice were her International,’ and I bear and wear the honor proudly. “double doors” back to Judaism just shy of a decade “You won’t always agree with what I write. Most don’t. ago when she, her husband, Jim Anderson, and their The best decision I ever made: To cohabitate with sons, Sam and David, became members of Temple Roie and have her children. The worst decision I ever Israel. Two bar mitzvahs later, they remain active in made: One day, I took myself seriously. The point? I synagogue life through “study, song and deed.” want to have some fun--I mean ‘If We Gotta Ask, We Professionally, she’s Dr. Peck, a public health scien- Just Don’t Get It!’” (Check it out on page12.) tist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She That's the line-up...the table of contents...the four works around the country and here at home to build new crayons in the box. One thing’s for sure: the future communities’ capacity to translate research into action looks bright, indeed.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 5, 2003
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KANTER/RICH Ed and Rochelle Kanter and Larry and Her fiancé earned a B.A. in Psychology Phyllis Kalendar, all of from the University of Overland Park, KS, Kansas and is completing announce the engagement his last semester of studies of their daughter, Jessica towards a B.A. in Lauren Kalender, to Adam Architecture. He served as Benjamin Rich, son of Dr. a Student Senator at K.U. Philip and Diane Rich. for four years. The bride-to-be graduHe was previously ated with distinction from employed by Kenneth the University of Kansas Hahn Architects in Omaha with a B.A. in Biology, and is currently working where she is a member of for Treanor Architects in Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kansas City, MO. Kappa Phi. She is currentHis grandparents are ly pursuing her medical degree at the Beverly Morris and the late Dr. Haskell University of Kansas School of Medicine. Morris and the late Eugene and Charlotte She is the granddaughter of Allen Rich. Levine and the late Donna Levine and A June 13 wedding is planned at Joyce Kalender and the late Stan Kehilath Israel Synagogue in Overland Kalender. Park, KS.
IN THE NEWS The Nebraska Medical Center presents a Health and Wellness Club lunch and seminar on “Falls and How to Prevent Them” on Thursday, Dec. 18, noon, at Clarkson Tower Storz Pavilion, rooms 1-4. To register, call 1.800.922.0000. Cost is $5 for members and $6.50 for guests. Request a free large-print Megillat Esther for Purim and/or a free Hagaddah for Passover from the Jewish Heritage for the Blind. Fax your request (including a doctor’s note) to 1.877.230.2205. For more information about the megillah
or hagaddah, call 1.800.995.1888. Albertson’s dished up a Thanksgiving feast last week for the homeless and hungry at the Open Door Mission. Twenty Albertson’s/Osco stores teamed up to provide meals, including 93 lbs. of turkey, 50 lbs. of potatoes and 100 lbs. of pies and other desserts! Tilly’s, a well known, longtime store for women, has moved. Formerly located opposite Borsheim’s in Regency Court, Tilly’s has moved south--around the corner.
Wishing the community a Happy Hanukkah From Our Entire Staff
B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Rivkah Sass will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Dec. 10, noon, at the Park Inn Regency, according to Gary Javitch, December Chairman. Sass is a newcomer to Omaha and the new Director of the Omaha Public Library System. Her topic will be “Are Libraries Still Relevant in the 21st Century?” Cost is $9 for lunch and $2 for beverage service only. Breadbreakers is open to the community.
WALK-IN, DROP-IN Members will meet in Thursday at the JCC. Exercise and bingo will begin at 10 a.m. Bring a dairy sack lunch to eat at 11:15 a.m. At noon, join us for the movie It Runs in the Family in the Blumkin Home auditorium. This film features Kirk and Michael Douglas. Popcorn will be served. For transportation, call Maggie Conti at 334-6521.
Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Play bingo at 10 a.m. with Eileen Remer or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share for “YES Talk” at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, join us for a Mystery Guest speaker! Who will it be? For transportation call Dee Dee at 330-4272. Call Maggie Conti at 334-6521 for all reservations for Bluffs Run Casino on Dec. 18 and the Annual Hanukkah Party on Dec. 22.
OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman will be exploring the meaning of Psalms at the home of Annette Fettman on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 4:30 p.m. Rabbi Hoffman teaches a Crash Course in Hebrew Reading on Wednesday, Dec. 10, noon, at the JCC; at 7 p.m., learn Hebrew Comprehension at the OCTL Beis Midrash. For information, call 981-0569. Brooke’s Teen Class resumes Thursday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m., at her home, 805 So. 120 Ave.
LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Want a place to brush up on your Yiddish? Join us every Thursday, 1-3 p.m., at the JCC. Call Anne Skolkin for information at 343-1638.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN The Omaha Section Board will meet Monday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m., at Patty Nogg’s home. To RSVP, call 391-7022.
LETTER FROM Y.E.S. Wasn’t our Turkey Day event wonderful--with Eileen and Miles Remer and Esther Wax performing for us! We sure are lucky to have so much talent in our groups. Those of you who don’t join are really losing out. Well, I sure enjoy the Y.E.S. Group! Bye for now.
by ILENE PACHMAN It was old home week for me when Virginia and Moe Dritley come to entertain us last month. They live in Fremont --where I lived for more than 21 years. She’s very entertaining and I think Moe could be just as funny.
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December 5, 2003
Jewish Studies Students Read the Jewish Press at Creighton University
Creighton students taking the course “Introduction to Judaism” with Professor Leonard Greenspoon were treated to a presentation on Jewish liturgical music by Beth El Cantor Gastón Bogolmoni. During another class session they discussed articles in the Jewish Press as part of an ongoing assignment.
by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue Toby Schonfeld has issued a call to the members of Beth El Synagogue to work together on "acts of kindness" aimed at fulfilling the Mitzvah of Tikkun Olam (the commandment to make the world a better place). The Beth El Association for Mitzvot (BEAM) will have a brainstorming session Monday Dec. 15, 7 p.m., at the synagogue. At this first meeting, Toby Schonfeld Schonfeld will open the floor to considering a wide range of projects, such as providing transportation to services, sending cards to hospitalized congregants, keeping up the Beth El grounds, visiting residents at the Blumkin Home, and helping at Omaha shelters. A medical ethicist on the University of Nebraska Medical School faculty, Schonfeld has become known to the community through her excellent lectures under the auspices of Jewish Educational and Library Services (JELS). If you plan to attend the BEAM meeting, please RSVP by e-mail or phone to tschonfeld@unmc.edu or 8611811. Or call Harriet Einziger, Beth El’s Program Director at 492-8550.
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Focusing on the current political situation in Israel and what can be done about it, Dr. Jonathan Adelman, professor at the Graduate School of International Studies, University of Denver, will lead a Teach-In on Sunday, Dec. 7, beginning with the founding of the State of Israel and concluding the day with an analysis of the present crisis. Dr. Adelman’s morning session starts at 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel. The entire day is open to anyone in the community interested in learning more about Israel from the roots of Zionism to hope for the future. The day’s topics “will work on different levels for different people,” Professor Adelman said. He encourages everyone to attend who knows something about the subject matter, “but wants to learn more about Israeli history and the Israeli-Arab conflict.” A dairy “Israeli style” lunch from the Mediterranean Bistro (by prior reservation) will be catered and there will be a panel discussion involving participants who went on the recent Federation trip to Israel. Excerpts from the film, “The Long Way Home,” will be shown at 12:45 p.m. followed at 2 p.m. by Dr. Adelman’s analysis of the current crisis in Israel. Harlan Noddle, who heard Dr. Adelman’s presentation when he was previously in Omaha, said, “He’s terrific--very astute, very bright. He’s very knowledgeable
about the situation between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and he’s an exciting speaker.” All sessions except lunch are free of charge to anyone who would like to attend. This opportunity to learn more about Israel is sponsored by Temple Israel’s Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning. The complete schedule is as follows: • Session I, 10:30 a.m.: “How Did We Get Here? Israeli History 1881-2003.” An overview of the Zionist Movement, the founding of Israel, and the Arab-Israeli conflict. • Session II, noon: Lunch and panel discussion: “Recent Travelers to Israel Share Their Stories.” Rabbi Craig Marantz, Iris Ricks, Stephanie Grossman and others will describe their experiences from the recent Federation trip. An “Israeli style” lunch will be catered by Mediterranean Bistro (Cost is $7 per person; RSVP to Temple at 556-6536 or tisrael@qwest.net). • Session III, 12:45 p.m.: “The Long Way Home: How the Holocaust Generation Launched the Jewish State.” Rabbi Aryeh Azriel will explore the impact of the Holocaust on Israel showing clips of he documentary, The Long Way Home. • Session IV, 2 p.m.: “The Current Crisis in Israel: Is There Any Hope for the Future?” Dr. Adelman will offer insights on immediate concerns Israel faces and what the future might hold.
Tour Beth Israel Sunday
Beth El to Hear Matalon on ‘Interfaith Tensions’
Visitors to the new Beth Israel building on 126th and Pacific will enter through the new archway, pictured above, this Sunday, Dec. 7, 4 p.m. This will be the last “hard hat” tour of the building before it officially opens on Feb. 13-14, 2004.
by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue Looking back to the views held by Judaism toward Christianity and Islam in the 12th Century can shed light on today’s strained interfaith relationships and what they suggest for the future. Guy Matalon will bring 12th Century historical viewpoints to life with “Maimonides on Them and Us” at the next Beth El Lunch & Learn on Shabbat, Dec. 13. Matalon said he will look at writings by Maimonides on Islam and Christianity to explore the relationship and views of Judaism toward the other religions. A question and answer session will follow his presentation. An expert in Jewish philosophy, Matalon is director of the Federation’s Jewish Educational and Library Services (JELS). Cost of lunch is $7.50 Free babysitting is available, as are children’s meals, at $5. For more information, or to make a luncheon reservation, please call the Beth El office, at 492-8550.
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MEDITERRANEAN Bndistroine Bar a W
Beth El Starts New Group to ‘Shine with Kind Acts’
Israel Teach-In Day to Feature Denver Professor of International Studies
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December 5, 2003
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Electronic Communications Beget Senility IF YOU GOTTA ASK,YA DON’T G ET IT! by BERNIE MEYERS Our cell phone is six years old-that’s 84 dog years--and 98,458 computer years. The truth is--the damned machine worked about 35 percent of the time when it was new--and twice a month after the first few days--if I stood outside in the rain. The persons who sell electronic devices of the devil, were never very understanding or sympathetic. Any time I brought the phone in for electronic upgrades, a service person would look at the instrument and then at me, with total contempt. “It’s an old phone. It’s at least two-weeks-old. There are many innovations that this phone does not have-like completing a call. Your only recourse is to buy a new phone--which we give you free--as long as you sign an until death or starvation contract at about 10 grand a month for service.” “Will that assure me service and completed calls?” I asked rather naively. “Are you crazy? All that insures is that our company has a steady stream of long term income like an Arthur Murray Dance Studio or a Health Club.” After hundreds of trips to the phone store for alleged updates, and constant nagging by my wife, who also has no clue on how to work the machine, I gave up the good fight of no avail--and agreed to UPGRADE. I went to the phone store to purchase a new cell phone to bring new meaning to my unfulfilled life. The moment I walked in, all 56 “service” people suddenly became busy with phantom phone calls, toenail clipping, wall painting--and a few even resorted to waiting on people. I was cool--nay--a chunk of ice. I circled the store, touching each of thousands of cell phones on display. I studied and memorized. I was Mr. In Charge. I had no idea how many gigs or bytes or growls each machine contained. Color was not a factor. Size was not a factor. Ability to read the numbers and get my stubby little fingers to punch out those numbers--was a vital concern. ON and OFF buttons that said ON and OFF were critical, but almost non existent. And CHEEEEAP was the main criteria of my search. Each day the paper was filled with ads for FREE cell phones. The small print described some of the disgusting actions it took to secure a free phone. But free was free, and I’m cheeeeeap, and can’t read any print smaller than 30 points. Finally, one of the “service” persons drew the short straw. She approached me with great trepidation. “Don’t suppose I can help you?” “Probably not,” I agreed. “But, let’s try.” I looked at this young genius plaintively and announced, “I would like to purchase a new cell phone. I wish for the machine to have a button that says ON and one that says OFF. I want nothing else. I don’t wish for this phone to diaper the baby. I don’t need a break down of my stock portfolio. That’s already broken down. I don’t wish to take pictures. I want to be able to make a call, and when someone answers on the other end--to have a reasonable chance of having a conversation before the whole system blows up. “And, above all, I do not wish to pay any dollars or cents for this machine.” “Wheesh,” she wheeshed. “You old people get pretty crotchety when it comes to electronic communication.” “That’s because we are unschooled in the subject,” I answered. “On the other hand, if you hand me a 10 dollar bill for the purchase of a nine dollar 99-cent cigar, I can make change without using a computer.” We reached a standoff, and grudgingly admitted that each of us had a few areas of expertise in which we were conversant enough to have a civil conversation with no more than 39 “You knows” per second. I knew that Leonardo da Vinci did not play quarterback for the Huskers. He was a linebacker. And she knew that Boy George was neither boy nor George. We never did settle on just how he was to be classified. After going ’round the mulberry bush a number of times, she chose a nifty model that sold for only $150, which I had to front. However, if I properly filled out the rebate form, stayed out of trouble, and whined and begged long enough--there was a remote chance I
would be rebated the $15)--in due time. Does anyone have any idea how long “due time” is? I don’t. I paid with an overdrawn credit card, so if I got no rebate, no problem. I still didn’t fully trust the phone, and asked for a student trial run. I broke into a cold sweat, wiped my fingers to eliminate any contamination of the phone by foreign particles in the mechanism. I carefully dialed my office phone number. It rang. A machine answered, “Hello Houston--we have contact.” After four rings, the machine left a message, saying that my voice left a message, and that message would be returned as soon as I returned. Good vibes so far. Today’s a new day and a bright future. I entered my office, and checked my swearing machine. Just the usual calls from my bookie, my divorce lawyer, my mistress, my banker--advising that I was overdrawn on all my accounts. And then I heard a strange male voice: “I have a new cell phone and it works!” The voice was jubilant, but I didn’t recognize it. I was confused. And thought, “Who the hell would call to tell me he had a new phone?” I called four or five of my friends, to determine whether anyone was pulling a scam on me. All denied participation. I was nearing the edge of one of my few limited moments of sanity, when I sat down at my desk and noticed a new cell phone staring at me. It seemed to be saying to me, “That’s right. I’m your new cell phone. But don’t ever think I’ll bring you any happiness or joy. My purpose is to make your life miserable because you're too dumb to figure out how to operate me properly. Get a life.” A light shined through the darkness. Yup. I did buy a new cell phone last night. And I did test that phone by placing a call to my office. ’Twas me on the phone. I did not recognize my own voice calling me and answering me. Is there a story here? Yes. I’m old. I can’t find an address to send in for the rebate on the 150 buck cell phone. The the damned phone is already not working. So don’t fiddle with me today. I’m not in the mood! Bernie Meyers writes irreverent columns on a variety of issues; you could reach him by e-mail-but he doesn’t remember his address, let alone his cellphone number!
Can You Identify This Photo?
Once again, the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society is asking for help from Jewish Press readers. This bride, pictured above, cannot be identified by NJHS staff or volunteers. If you know the identity of the bride pictured here, please contact Renee Corcoran, Executive Director of NJHS, with information. And if you would like to volunteer your time in the office, the NJHS is in need of people who would be willing to look through a box of unidentified photos and materials. Call 334.6442 for more information.
December 5, 2003
SMOKED SALMON by Max Hansen & Suzanne Goldenson (Chronicle, $18.95)
R EAD IT AND EAT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN Get ready to get caught...hook, line and sinker for this one subject done to perfection cookbook. An endorsement by Thomas Keller, owner/chef of the French Laundry, in Napa, California, of “arguably the finest smoked salmon produced in America...” prompted this collection of 60 favorite recipes by Chef Max of Max & Me Gourmet to Go catering in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Some of the recipes are favorites from fellow chefs from coast-to-coast who serve Max’s smoked salmon in their restaurants. You, too, can enjoy this consummate smoked salmon at the listing of restaurants, gourmet shops, catalogues...Max’s address and 800 number are listed...or you can make your own as the cookbook begins with Smoked Salmon Essentials and a recipe for you to make Traditional Smoked Salmon. Beginning with love at first bite, eventually Max developed a process of “balancing salt and sweet, time and temperature and testing a variety of wood chips” that resulted in a smoked salmon just to his liking (differing from “lox” which comes from “gravlax, the traditional Swedish preparation of curing salmon with salt...”). The color photographs are up-close and beautiful. The recipes are listed in the index of the five chapters. The headnotes of the first recipe adds that it’s from one of Max’s favorite Manhattan restaurants who serves his smoked salmon and how the chef serves it...a marriage of 1700s johnny cakes and smoked salmon. Other headnotes add helpful notes--Eli Zabar uses raisin-pecan bread with smoked salmon; other recipes include wrapping asparagus with smoked salmon; smoked salmon mango salsa with corn cups (address listed) or bagged corn chips; a tostada; a wonton wrapper
Happy Hanukkah from Farouk and the staff of
ravioli; focaccia with mashed Yukon Gold potatoes and smoked salmon; with truffles, French lentils, pasta or polenta. The instructions give well written details on “To Make” and “To Plate” and some include “Maxing out the recipe.” A Hanukkah recipe for Crispy Latkes with Smoked Salmon and Sweet Onion Cream is given. Sure to be a real catch is the following recipe for any day or any holiday. SMOKED SALMON CARPACCIO WITH ARUGULA, PARMIGIANOREGGIANO CURLS, AND CHIVE OIL Chive Oil: 1 bunch fresh chives, cut into 1/2-inch lengths 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil Lemon Oil: 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 1 pound sliced smoked salmon 6 ounces baby arugula, or 2 large bunches mature arugula, tough stems removed 12 Parmigiano-Reggiano curls (made with a vegetable peeler) To make the chive oil: Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Add the chives and cook for 3-5 minutes. Drain well and transfer immediately to a blender. Add the olive oil and puree until smooth and very green, at least 5 minutes. Pour into a small bowl and let sit for 1 hour. To make the lemon oil: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. To plate: Cover the centers of 6 plates with the salmon, dividing evenly. In a bowl, toss the arugula with the lemon oil. Place the arugula on the salmon, dividing it evenly and forming a tall mound in the center of each plate. Artistically arrange the Parigiano-Reggiano curls on the arugula. Stir the chive oil to recombine and drizzle 1 tsp. on top of each serving. Serves six. Lois Friedman can be reached at: readitandeat@yahoo.com.
Hanukkah Greetings
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 5, 2003
JCC to Host Hanukkah Extravaganza by MARGIE UTESCH JCC Publicity Director The Jewish Community Center invites members to celebrate Hanukkah. Join us Wednesday, Dec. 17, 5:30-7 p.m., in the JCC Auditorium for the following activities: • Live Interactive Hanukkah Characters; • Kosher Deli Dinner and Latkes; • Crafts & Games--including: • Hanukkah Sand Pictures; • Cookie Decorating; • Make & wrap gifts for family and friends; • Maccabi Bowling; • Tic Tac Gelt; and • Can Mathias. All JCC Members are welcome! Stop by Member Services to register or call 334.6483.
Omahans to Travel to Postville by LYNNE SALTZMAN for Chabad of Nebraska The Chabad communities of Postville and Omaha will offer a community excursion to the town of Postville, Iowa, publicized in both books and television documentaries for the integration of some 300 “Chabadniks” into the community’s long-time rural Iowa community. Participants will meet at the Chabad House in Omaha and will travel in their own cars on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 25, to caravan to Postville. Upon arrival, the group will tour the new kosher cheese factory and the famous Rubashkin beef/poultry kosher processing plant. There is a kosher restaurant in town--“Jacob’s Table”-that people can visit on their own. Shabbat hospitality will be provided by the Jewish residents. A hotel in town will accommodate people who would prefer to stay there. After Shabbat, a Melava Malka will be hosted be the community. The participants will return to Omaha on Sunday Dec. 28. People interested in being a part of this unique opportunity, please call in your reservations by Dec. 15 to me at: 333.9778
EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed Thursday, Dec. 25, and Thursday, Jan. 1. Deadlines for ads, articles and photos for upcoming issues are at noon, as follows: Issue Deadline Dec. 26 Wednesday, Dec. 17 Jan. 2 Wednesday, Dec. 24
Tips from Philanthropist Family on Teaching your Kids about Giving by ADAM KATZ-STONE NEWTON, MA (JTA)--Members of one of America’s premier philanthropic families have some words of wisdom for parents who want their children to understand the importance of tzedakah, or charity. They say that if you want your kids to do good deeds, to give charity, to be personally involved in the life and well-being of their communities, it’s not enough just to talk about it. “My parents never made a point of lecturing us on what they were doing. They taught by example and I think that's the most powerful instruction. We knew to do what we saw our parents doing: taking responsibility for the community in which they live,” said Lee Meyerhoff Hendler. Hendler’s grandfather Joseph Meyerhoff came to America from Russia in 1906. During the Depression he studied law at night and eventually founded the national real estate firm Monumental Properties Inc., which became the basis for the family fortune. He also established the $34 million Joseph Meyerhoff Fund to promote charitable causes. “His motto was, ‘You don’t go broke giving money away,’ and that was how he lived,” said Hendler. Hendler’s parents, Harvey and Lyn Meyerhoff, demonstrated the same dedication to community, giving generously to a multitude of Jewish and secular causes and serving on the boards of diverse community organizations. When Hendler and her three siblings were all between the ages of 19 and 29, the Meyerhoffs decided it was time for their children to make their own mark. “I thought it would really give us an opportunity to see how our kids behave when they’re not simply following instructions,” explained Harvey Meyerhoff. “They needed and deserved the opportunity to grow on their own.” He and his wife set aside an undisclosed amount of money, and in 1979 established the Children of Harvey and Lyn Meyerhoff Philanthropic Fund. The Meyerhoffs never told their children what to do with the money. The only rule was that giving through the fund could not serve as a substitute for the younger generation’s personal involvement in the community. “If you think that the cause with which you are involved is worthwhile, then you give it all you can both in terms of money and time,” said Harvey Meyerhoff. Now a third generation has come of age, and Harvey Meyerhoff once again has set up a foundation, the Grandchildren of Harvey M. and Lyn P. Meyerhoff Philanthropic Fund.
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One of those grandchildren, Will Rubenstein, recalled how he learned to be an active participant in his community--and it wasn’t through lectures or books. At age five, Rubenstein stood beside his father hugging racers as they crossed the Special Olympics finish line. At age eight, he rode around with his mother on election day, helping bring voters to their polling places. “Philanthropy doesn’t just mean giving away money, it also means giving your time,” he said. “My mom and dad have both done tremendous amounts of work in the community. I saw the importance of having two lives, the working life and the volunteer life, and it didn’t seem to me that there was a difference in the amount of hard work or intensity that they put into either of those lives.” Experts agree that the best way to teach children about charity is by having them get directly involved in the doing of good works. Where to begin? What kinds of things can kids do to learn firsthand the joy of tzedakah? • Hand-make simple toys for children in homeless shelters or hospitals. At holiday times, make gift boxes for homeless kids; include toys and also necessities such as clothes and toiletries. • Children and parents can volunteer together at a soup kitchen, or neighbors can join together (with their kids) to grow a communal garden, with the produce going to a shelter or soup kitchen. • Help an elderly or disabled person clean his or her home. Do yard work for those who cannot do it themselves. In winter, shovel a driveway for an elderly neighbor. • Kids can connect directly with other kids by visiting children in the hospital and reading to younger kids there. Be a friend to a child who needs a friend. • Collect stuffed animals from friends, then store them in the trunks of police cars and ambulances to comfort children in accidents. • If kids are involved in after-school sports, they can collect packaged food before each game, then donate the food to local organizations. • For further reading, the following books address the topic of teaching children the value of philanthropy: Teaching Your Kids to Care: How to Discover and Develop the Spirit of Charity in Your Children, by Deborah Spaide; Raising Compassionate, Courageous Children in a Violent World, by Dr. Janice Cohn; Helping Out Is Cool, by Ellen Feinman Moss, illustrated by Susan Tebbutt. Adam Katz-Stone is a freelance writer living in Maryland..Reprinted from JewishFamily.com, a service of Jewish Family & Life!
Best Wishes For a Happy Hanukkah
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TeenAge
December 5, 2003
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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underwritten by THE MURRAY H. & SHAREE C. NEWMAN SUPPORTING FOUNDATION Editor’s note: This month’s Teen Age features United Synagogue Youth--USY, the youth group of Beth El Synagogue. Special thanks goes to Rachel Katskee, USY adviser, for collecting the material.
The Times They Are a-Changin’ EMTZA REGION USY KINNUS 2003 by ALIYA KATSKEE and LAURA SHKOLNIK Everyone in Omaha was so excited for Kinnus 2003 in Kansas City, Missouri. This year’s theme was: The Times They Are a-Changin’, and it was a weekend we will all remember, especially us seniors. Everyone got to meet lots of new people, eat some great food, and of course, spend Shabbat together, USY style. There were 470 people who attended this year’s annual Thanksgiving weekend convention and they hailed from Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Nebraska and from Manitoba, and Saskatchewan in Canada. The weekend started out with a plenary session. Each year the ruach (spirit) and creativity of this opening session is one of the highlights of the weekend. Every chapter gets a chance to be introduced to the convention. This year’s USY President, Sam Edelstein, presented 19 USYers from Omaha: Aly Rose Friedman, Seth Rich, Ariel Levine, Shiri Tene, Sam Edelstein, Brad Abramson, Laura Shkolnik, Aliya Katskee, Shayna Kurland, Dan Murow, Nathan Fineman, Corey Green, Robert Mosenkis, Becky Kahn, Abby Ginsburg, Jason Rich, Shira Kronick, Gal Tsabari, and Brian Altman. Thursday evening was “We Are the World” Night on Ben Yehuda Street-named for the pedestrian mall in Jerusalem. This moving evening program looked at loving-kindness and how we share that with others. The program continued with our very own Night on Ben Yehuda Street, with events and activities in which USYers might partici-
Left photo: Robert Mosenkis and Abby Ginsburg in their decade attire at the dance. Right: Gal Tsabari, left, Becky Kahn and
Abby Ginsburg at 4 a.m. after Kinnus ended. In the Plenary picture, below, is our USY group cheering at the opening session.
pate while on our USY Israel Programs. Friday morning, Emtza Region USY headed back into ’70s TV Land for an amazing game of “Let’s Make a Deal”. There were numerous chances to win prizes while raising more than $1800 for Tikun Olam, USY’s Tzedakah fund. Later that morning, everyone was able to leave the hotel for some shopping and fun around Crown Center. Our hotel was attached to Crown Center, which has a shopping center, ice rink and science museum. Once Shabbat started, we had shiurim (sessions) that focused on the topic of Conservative Judaism; we studied our topic through interactive activities and discussions led by staff and community members. Saturday evening, after a meaningful Havdallah ceremony, was the dinner dance. The theme this year’s was “Woodstock”. Music played throughout the evening and there were a number of exciting activities in every ballroom on the floor. Everyone dressed up in their favorite decade’s attire and went from room to room exploring every decade. The ’40s’ room had professional swing dancers, there was a ’50s’ drive in movie theatre complete with car seats, the ’70s’ room made candles, the ’80s’ room was singing to karaoke, and the ’90s’ sports bar was the perfect place for a soda. There were a number of other exciting programs and sessions for Kinnus 2003. We celebrated Shabbat together, had plenty of free time to hang out with our friends and enjoyed being together in Kansas City. Now we are looking forward to Winter Shabbaton at Camp Chi in Wisconsin later this year.
Left photo: a typical lounge night for USYers at Beth El Synagogue: President Sam left, Laura Edelstein, Shkolnik, Nathan Fineman, Josh Sweet, Brian Altman and Naomi Rennard. Right photo: USYers gather at the home of Cantor Gastón and Lena Bogolmoni during Sukkot for a little food, some music and lots of fun.
The Diet Guide to the Jewish Holidays by JASON RICH Religious Education Vice-president Rosh Hashanah: Feast Tzom Gedalia: Fast Yom Kippur: More fasting Sukkot: Feast Hashanah Rabbah: More feasting Simchat Torah: Keep feasting Month of Heshvan: No feasts or fasts for a whole month! Calm down. Hanukkah: Eat potato pancakes Tenth of Tevet: Do not eat potato pancakes Tu B’Shevat: Feast Fast of Esther: Fast Purim: Eat Pastry Passover: Do not eat pastry Shavuot: Dairy feast (cheesecake, blintzes etc.) 17th of Tammuz: Fast (definitely no cheesecake or blintzes) Month of Elul: End of cycle. Take a break before High Holidays arrive again (adapted from the Internet)
USY Begins! by DAN MUROW Social Action/Tikun Olam Vice-president USY is shifting into full gear after the first two conventions have come and gone. CMT (Chapter Membership Training) was a big hit. We started the convention with a sleepover at the synagogue filled with games, friends, and, of course, food. The following morning “Ollie the Trolley” was waiting to take us on a wonderful mystery trip. After a ride around Omaha, we stopped at our destination--the Henry Doorly Zoo. When our exciting exploration of the zoo ended, we headed back to the synagogue to com-
plete an amazing CMT. The Leadership Training Institute (LTI), for executive board members from around the region, was held in September in Omaha, beofre Rosh Hashanah. Each board member gathered helpful ideas for the upcoming USY season. At LTI, we exchanged new ideas for different programs and activities to use throughout the year. After such a wonderful start, my fellow board members and I cannot wait to get the programs going. We anticipate having an excellent time!
At left: USYers collected 100 lbs. of canned goods at Beth El for donation to the Omaha Food Bank.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 5, 2003
More Highlights from Omaha Mission to Israel Photos from top left: Steve Riekes, left, and Margo Riekes greets his niece, and her husband, right, and their children at the Dan Panorama Hotel. The family lives in Jerusalem. For the first time in more than two years, Ben Yehuda Street-Jerusalem’s pedestrian mall-was packed with tourists. It is estimated that the G.A. injected $15 million into Israel’s sluggish economy. The group toured the Southern Wall Excavations prior to the opening of the General Assembly in Jerusalem. The excavations revealed a number of ancient sites: shops under Robinson’s Arch and the street which passed through it; the steps up to the Beit HaMikdash--and the bulge in the Southern Wall from excavations by the Palestinian Authority. The P.A. finally consented to calling in Jordanian engineers to repair that section of the wall. The Omaha G.A. Mission with Des Moines, San Antonio, Louisville and Dayton shared dinner at Little Italy: from left: Marty and Iris Ricks, Rabbi Craig Marantz, Jan and Howard Goldstein, Rabbi Baruch HaLevi, Guy Matalon, Rabbi Mendel Katzman and former Council Bluffs residents: Mr. and Mrs. Joel Bleicher, who’ve lived in Israel for 30+ years.
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While the court found no linkage to Belgium, an appeal came from Lebanon and then went to three judges, where (Israel) won again.” Finally the Supreme Court ruled Sharon had immunity as Prime Minister, but the Court could go after the head of the Mossad. Surprisingly, the Court then charged President George Bush and Colin Powell (then the General leading American forces in the first Gulf War against Iraq). A message was sent to the Belgian government, according to Kahn, “Back off, or NATO will leave Belgium.” Instead of pursuing the cases against Sharon, Bush and Powell, the Belgian legislature intervened and rewrote the law, calling for a direct link to an “offense against humanity” by the Belgian government. “That ended the saga,” Kahn explained, “however, the European union still has wide powers when it comes to International Jurisdiction.” Kahn is worried that Israel continues to be attacked on security issues like the fence, targeted killings and demolishing houses, adding “We believe in our right to exist, to live free,” but admits to the “terrible dilemma” of running a security fence through Arab villages. “I don’t know if there are many armies in the world with the morality of Israel’s,” she added. “Because we’re stronger, we have to (now) think differently.” Emory Professor Deborah Lipstadt, author of Denying the Holocaust, echoed many of Kahn’s sentiments about the atmosphere in Europe when she spoke at a standing-room-only luncheon during the General Assembly the following day. She noted that Mel Gibson’s new film, The Passion, was described by author and lecturer James Rudin as “the most horrific, anti-Semitic film he’s ever seen.” Lipstadt noted that “what’s most disturbing is how much Gibson doesn’t get it. (His) depiction of the Jews causes Christians in other countries to create (signs at protest marches) attacking the Jews in Bush’s administration.” She’s sure the next step will be for Europeans to link the war in Iraq to American support of Israel. “The left says they’ve been deceived (by Bush) and the real reason to go to war--since the U.S. has not found weapons of mass destruction--was to protect Israel,” she continued. “Even thought the BBC finally appointed a commission to investigate its coverage of the Middle East, there is the Kulturkampf of (attacking) Israel-and the United States.” She also cautioned those who do want to correct errors in the media to “be cool, be calm, and make your case point by point...Strident letters don’t get printed.”
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by CAROL KATZMAN Editor, The Jewish Press This issue was discussed in last week’s Op-ed pages, but so briefly that it’s important to expand the coverage and give the readers more information about the emergence of this new--and more sophisticated anti-Semitism. By now, readers should have learned much about the funding of supposed non-profit groups from the JTA series “Funding Hate,” a four-part series outlining the Ford Foundation’s funding of non-governmental organizations that spread hatred for Jews in their educational endeavors, their websites and more. Thanks to a congressional inquiry, led by NY Representative Jerry Nadler, the Ford Foundation has revised its funding guidelines and will now monitor more closely the money it distributes. That’s not the end of the story, however. Ford will no longer be granting funds to groups involved in volunteer work in Israel--with the exception of the New Israel Fund. NIF received a $20-million grant and it is that group which will then allocate funds to other non-profit groups in Israel. While the Ford Foundation’s previous allocations have stopped, it does seem to be endemic of the “new anti-Semitism.” Israeli attorney Irit Kahn was the first speaker to enlighten the recent Omaha mission participants to the current atmosphere in Europe. Kahn headed the Israel Ministry of Justice team which defended Prime Minister Ariel Sharon against a case brought by the Belgian government to the International Court at the Hague, in the Netherlands in 1999. Sharon was charged with an “offense against humanity” because he was Minister of Defense at the time of the Christian Falangist troops massacre of Muslim refugees in the Sabra and Shatilla camps in Lebanon during Israel’s incursion there to root out terrorists in the 1980s. While Belgium enacted the law in 1993 ostensibly to try war criminals, the prosecutors didn’t try anyone for war crimes in Rwanda (where Belgium had state interests in the last century) or the (former Belgian) Congo. Instead, they took on a case pressed by the Palestinian Authority as soon as Sharon became Prime Minister in 1999. Kahn related the difficulties--and the triumphs in pursuing this case--even finding a secular Jewish attorney in Belgium to whom she said, “You’re doing the most important thing in your life” by taking on this case--a case which changed the life of the attorney and has brought her to Israel repeatedly. “The problem,” Kahn explained, “was that the court couldn’t define ‘terrorism.’
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 5, 2003
Poppa’s Hanukkah Gift STAYING IN TOUCH by OZZIE NOGG I can’t remember a Hanukkah without snow. Snow in drifts as tall as a man. And that man? My Poppa-the-Rabbi, trudging home from shul in the evening darkness to light the candles. Poppa with a wool muffler over his nose, rubber galoshes flopping on his feet and his head warmed by a fur cap. “This cap was given to me by Czar Nicholas, himself,” Poppa always reminded me as he stomped into the house. Then he’d kick off his galoshes, untie the muffler, blow the snowflakes from the curly, black fur cap and hang it on a hook. “It’s true! Czar Nicholas gave me this cap long ago when he heard me singing a Hanukkah song.” “And what did Czar Nicholas do then, Poppa?” I’d prompt him. “Then? What did he do then? Ah, yes. Then the Czar bent down and shook my hand and said, ‘You may call me Nikki’.” From the kitchen Momma would call, “Oy, Alex! Such stories you tell her.” *** The Hanukkah candles we lit when I was a child were candles. Fat, smooth, sturdy and orange. Not plain-Jane orange, mind you, but orange. And when those candles stood in the frosty window, their flames melting the ice until it puddled on the sill, well--anyone passing by knew he was looking at candles that meant business. Don’t mess with us, they seemed to
say, if you know what’s good for you. Just like the Maccabees. *** While the candles burned on those long-ago evenings, I spun my dreidel and Poppa sang his Hanukkah songs--in Hebrew, Yiddish, Russian, English. I loved the singing, really I did, but Momma wouldn’t start frying her latkes until the singing was over and the candles had burned down to nubs, and sitting through Poppa’s Hanukkah concerts in anticipation of Momma’s latkes was not easy. Momma’s latkes, you see, were the true miracle of Hanukkah. “And what makes M o m m a ’ s latkes so miraculous?” Poppa invariably asked. “The secret ingredient!” I would respond. “And what is the secret ingredient?” Knowing the answer full well, I’d shout, “Tell me, Poppa!” Poppa would put down his fork and wipe his moustache. Then he would take Momma’s hand, kiss it and whisper, “The secret ingredient is the tiny piece of her knuckle that she grates in along with the potatoes.” Blushing, Momma would whisper, “Oy, Alex. Such stories you tell her.” *** I did not grow up with Hanukkah
shopping lists or fancy gift wrap and bows. And a gift every night? Never! I got one present and one present only. Hanukkah ‘Gelt’ that Poppa took from his trouser pocket and put, unwrapped, in my palm. Every Hanukkah the gift was the same. An uncirculated, 1923 silver dollar that Poppa had somehow gotten his hands on the year he came to America. He kept a stash of them in several black, lisle socks hidden behind our stove. I knew where the treasure was, of course. And Poppa knew that I knew. And this shared “secret” was part of the tradition. Part of the magic. But the magic ended one Hanukkah night in 1 9 4 4 , when the socks vanished while we slept--stolen by some sort of non-sectarian Grinch. Unlike the small jar of oil that kept burning in the Hanukkah story, our seemingly inexhaustible treasure was gone. I wept. Poppa fumed. Then he put on his coat and his fur cap and marched straight to the bank. That night, as he had done for years, Poppa gave me my Hanukkah gelt. I turned the coin over and over. Studied its face. It was familiar but somehow different. And then I realized what was wrong. The dollar was not engraved 1-9-2-3. The numbers on this silver dollar were 1-9-4-4. Poppa saw my confusion and disap-
pointment. “Tochter,” he said, reassuringly. “See how it shines, so bright and new. This gift is much better than the old.” And Momma sighed, “Oy, Alex. Such stories you tell her.” *** Looking back, I realize that a child more perceptive than I would have gotten a clue, right then, that more than just dates on silver dollars can change. Now, when I gather with my children and grandchildren to celebrate the Festival of Lights, it’s good, of course. But my Hanukkah is gone. It’s been replaced by frantic shopping and a gift every night and candles that are thin, pale imitations of the real thing. Sadly, the latkes are often made from a mix. The snow drifts seldom are tall as a man. And the singing rarely deserves a reward from the Czar. It’s then I run back to a magical time. I taste my mother’s latkes. I hear my father’s Hanukkah songs. I remember his stories and feel the old silver coins in my hand. Yes. The treasure is still there. It can never be stolen. I reclaim the riches of my childhood Hanukkah--safe and secure in the knowledge that hidden away in the bottom of my dresser is one 1923 silver dollar and the cap Poppa got from the Czar. Ozzie Nogg is a freelance writer. Her self-syndicated features take a slightly off-beat look at the history and observance of Jewish holidays, festivals and life-cycle events. Check out her website--www.rabbisdaughter.com or e-mail her at: ozmom@cox.net.
Miracles Can Happen A small band of Maccabees overcame the Syrian Army. One tiny jar of holy oil burned for eight days.
You can be a modern-day miracle worker by setting up an endowment or a donor-advised fund at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation . . . ✡ to assist Jews in Omaha facing financial hardship who need help with rent, car payments, ✡ medication, food, etc. ✡ to expand community outreach for senior citizens such as Meals on Wheels, ✡ transportation to doctors appointments, care counseling, support groups, and access ✡ to social programs. ✡ to assist the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society with oral history/educational programs. ✡ to permanently provide funds to continue the “Teen Age” feature in The Jewish Press. ✡ to encourage and help support young adults who wish to pursue a program in Jewish ✡ communal service to become a rabbi, cantor, or Jewish educator. ✡ to enhance the training of religious school teachers at Omaha synagogues as well as ✡ Friedel Jewish Academy, and the JCC Child Development Center. ✡ to provide college scholarships based not on financial need but on merit. If you would like to make miracles come true, please call Marty Ricks Executive Director Jewish Federation Foundation (402) 334-6440
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Press Announces Winners of Hanukkah Coloring Contest by CAROL KATZMAN Editor, The Jewish Press Mallory Jill Rogers, the eight-yearold daughter of Marcelyn and Charles Rogers, has won first place in the annual coloring contest sponsored by the Jewish Press. Her original artwork appears in four-color on the front page of the Hanukkah gift Guide on page 25. The first three entries to the contest are: Justin Lohman, son of Helene and Michael Lohman; Ari Juster, son of Sara and Sorin Juster; and Alexis Slutzky, daughter of Lesley and Jeff Slutsky. The four youngsters will receive gift certificates to The Bookworm in Countryside Village.
“There were many wonderful entries this year,” explained Joanie Jacobson, Chairman of the Jewish Press Committee. “And it was difficult to choose. But we do want to make it even easier for kids to enter their original Hanukkah drawings. So next year, we’ll print flyers with all the important information and deliver them to the religious schools, the JCC’s Child Development Center and Friedel Jewish Academy for the students to take home. “And then we’ll anticipate even more entries for Hanukkah 5765!” Congratulations to all those who entered; look for information on entry rules next October.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 19
Hanukkah 5764
by BERNARD MANN, Legacy Crossword Puzzles, © 2003, SPONSORED BY CATEGORY ONE
BIRTHS Mike and Rachel Blum announce the Oct. 2 birth of their son, Charles Michael. Grandparents are Dave and Phoebe Shkolnick and Paul and Mary Blum.
of Los Angeles, and the late Trudi Greenberg. Great-grandparents are Harold and Dina Bloom, and Lillian Wirth and June Heinrich, both of Los Angeles.
Michelle and Jon Fellman of the San Francisco Bay area announce the Oct. 24 birth of their daughter, Samantha Leah. They also have a daughter, Anna Trudi. Grandparents are Bev and Dick Fellman, Mike Wirth and his wife, Greta,
Linda and Kevin Saltzman announce the Nov. 18 birth of their daughter, Dina Sharyn. Dina has an older brother, Ari. Grandparents are Alice and Robert Lachin of Potomac, MD, and Rosalie and Ernie Saltzman.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra (UNO’s Symphony) will present a program of Russian music this Sunday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m. at the Strauss Performing Arts Center Recital Hall on the campus of the University of
Nebraska-Omaha. “Russian Holidays” will be conducted by guest conductor Maestro Svyatoslav Lyuter, principal conductor of St. Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra. For ticket information, call 554-3427.
Kosher Diva Publishes New Cookbook by JOSHUA BERKMAN for Rubenstein Public Relations The Santa Fe guacamole latke and cajun sweet-potato latkes, are just two of the “sizzling” new recipes created by kosher diva Susie Fishbein for her new Kosher by Design cookbook. “The tradition of the latke is based on the fact that it’s cooked in oil to commemorate the Holy Temple’s flame burning for eight days, following the Jewish uprising against he Greeks,” said Fishbein. “Anything fried in oil is appropriate. My new latkes are a fresh, but completely fine, take on a beloved tradition. That’s what I’m all about when it comes to Jewish cooking.” In addition to recipes for Hanukkah and all the other Jewish h o l i d a y s , Fishbein has included holiday menus with complimentary wine lists of the newest kosher wines, 120 color photos, innovative ideas for at-home entertaining, and a special index that highlights recipes that can be adapted for Passover. (The book, published by Mesorah Publications/ArtScroll, can be ordered through local bookstores and the Kripke Jewish Federation Library.) Fishbein created these two new recipes, not as replacements for the traditional white potato pancake, but rather
as an exciting addition. Try these for a “hot” new Hanukkah taste! GUACAMOLE LATKES 2 lbs Yukon potatoes, unpeeled 2 large eggs 2 tsps. sea salt 3 avocados, peeled, pits removed 1/2 large red onion, minced 2 small jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped 11/2 cups canned black beans, drained and rinsed Peanut oil Salsa Using the coarse grating disc of a food processor, grate the unpeeled potatoes. Transfer to a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs; add salt. In a medium bowl, mash the avocado with the back of a fork; add the onions, peppers and beans. Mix to combine. Add the egg mixture and avocado mixture to the potatoes. Gingerly toss to combine. In a large skillet, heat the peanut oil until very hot, but not smoking,; if you’re using a thermometer, heat to 375º. Add potato/avocado mixture 1/4 cup at a time and fry until golden. Flip and fry until golden on the other side; drain on paper towels. Serve with a dollop of salsa. Makes 1418 latkes.
ACROSS 1. Olympian Lipinsky 5. Cutaway made by a scythe 10. Mast appurtenance 14. Astronaut Ramon, z”l 15. Meter starter 16. Father in France 17. Slowly, in Hebrew 18. Compound such as ethyl acetate 19. Pluvium or geshem 20. TWO NAMES FOR A HANUKKAH TREAT, JOINED BY CONJUNCTION 23. “There Is Nuthin’ Like a ____” 24. Sup 25. Fiddler on the Roof star 28. Goldwyn or Uncle 31. T'hila, as the 23rd 35. Gorilla facial spasm? 37. “You’re all ___!” (you’re wrong!) 39. Miss ___-gon 40. _____ TEMPLE, ACTIVITY THAT CULMINATED IN FIRST HANUKKAH 44. Epoch 45. Otic organ 46. Shlomo retreated? 47. Soupy _____ 50. Herbal or iced 52. Whale Rider native
53. Tennis referee's term 55. Germ of a plant 57. TWO MACCABEES, WITH CONJUNCTION 65. Mend, as with socks 66. Hebrew for ‘teachers of’ 67. Eugene O'Neill's daughter 68. Oklahoma city 69. Ant 70. ONE WAS LIT THAT BURNED FOR EIGHT DAYS 71. A loch 72. THE MACCABEES PERFORMED GREAT _____ 73. Willow genus
26. Aida 27. Treadle 29. In the know 30. Bumped into 32. Houston player 33. To the mountain, in Modiin 34. First of several demeanors? 36. French abbreviation that follows a firm’s name 38. “... ___ of thee, sweet land of ...” 41. Leopard 42. Greek provinces 43. Floral arrangement flowers 48. African ruminants 49. “___ you!”, says he who disputes a statement, a bit chafed 51. ______ be (when necessary) 54. Domesticated 56. Emends 57. The Garden of ____ 58. Kent's friend at the Daily Planet 59. Greek goddess of strife 60. Upstate New York city 61. Weapon in France 62. Castle surrounder 63. “This one’s ___”, lunch offer 64. California valley
DOWN 1. Cultivate 2. Away from windward 3. Hunger, in Hebrew 4. Remedy for a poison 5. Type of engine 6. Laves 7. Compendium of laws 8. IN THOSE TIMES 9. The Golden ______ 10. Small herring-like fish 11. Bog material 12. Sharon's nickname 13. Descartes 21. Having legal force 22. Two lengths in a pool 25. Scale base weight
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 5, 2003
Opinion It’s a Small World After All It started on the El Al jet to Israel last month, when the man in the next seat introduced himself as Yaakov Halpern, a Jewish educator from the nation’s capital. He runs a program to “educate educators” and train them for positions in day schools and religious schools. Funded with a small grant from the Washington Jewish Federation, the program is administered through George Washington University. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that he knew--and taught-- former Omahan Lindsey Taxman Savoie, daughter of Sherry and Jeff Taxman and Mike Weinberg. It turned out that Halpern would also be seeing his “cousin’s granddaughter,” attending the Young Judaea Shalem program, based in the Negev community of Arad until December. Ayelet Weiss is on the same program as Omahan Rachel Katzman--whose roommate, Rachel Zimmern, just happens to be the cousin of Stuart Frankenthaler, the former Federation President in Louisville, KY--a member of the Partnership 2000 Committee--and a participant on the mission to Israel with Omaha, Des Moines, Dayton and San Antonio. (Did you follow that?) Of course, it didn’t end there; many of the mission participants spotted old friends and familiar faces--like former Omahans Rabbi Jonathan Rosenbaum, his wife, Dr. Susan Rosenbaum and their son, Jeremy, now all of Philadelphia. Schmoozing with tablemates at the luncheon featuring Deborah Lipstadt made connections with friends from Miami who sent greetings from Gail Meyers, who sat on the National Women’s Campaign Board of Directors with Omahans Bobbie Epstein and Anne Shackman. There was the doctor at Hadassah Hospital whose wife taught Hebrew at the JCC in Washington, D.C., to the daughter of Dr. Sidney
and Lynda Mirvish. And the chance meeting at breakfast at the King Solomon Hotel with the overflow crowd of Kansas Citians--including the Rosenthals--who’ve housed our Omaha teens at NCSY Shabbatons. By the way, KC was lucky enough to have “our” guide--Alex Fleischer--for their mission, numbering more than 130! Even on the plane ride home, Jewish connections were made. The daughter-in-law and grandchildren of former Omahan Abe Kitslinger (and niece of Gary Kitslinger) were stuck at the end of the line through passport control at Newark Airport. One request to the weary passengers to let her cut in line brought an immediate response of “Of course!” Mission participants could fill this whole space with stories of “chance” encounters--including the one at a private reception for United Jewish Communities leaders to which the editor of this paper was “mistakenly” invited. Among the invited guests was a woman who attended the Ida Crown Academy in Chicago with her friend, Julie Nadoff (daughter of Jeanette Nadoff and the late Rabbi Isaac Nadoff). Turns out the two lost touch shortly after each made aliyah. One quick phone call to Julie’s mother in Omaha and an e-mail to her long lost friend in Yerucham (in the Negev) will now bring these to former school friends together. It shouldn’t be surprising--we’re mishpocha, family, after all. In fact, former Jewish Federation President Jerry Slusky made this observation at the 1992 G.A. in New York City, when he looked around at some 4000 Jews seated in Radio City Music Hall for the G.A.’s opening ceremony, “Gee, there’s a guy who looks just like Tommy Fellman. And another who looks like Joe Kirshenbaum.” And then Slusky added, “I think there are only 12 Jewish faces, you know!”
(Founded in 1920)
Right--12 faces, 12 tribes. All family. Which is why, when a new face shows up at a Kaballat Shabbat service anywhere in the world, he’s sure to get an invitation for a Shabbat meal. Or when a woman from Yerucham--who went to school with an Omahan--extends an invitation to the daughter of someone she just met to spend Shabbat in her home--that’s family, too. The G.A. can do that--reinforce those connections of being responsible for one another. And we are--responsible for one another--that is. All it takes is a smile and an opening gambit, “So whom do you know from Omaha?” What you’ll get in return, is a realization that it is a small world after all!
JOURNAL ENTRY FROM ISRAEL by TEDDY WEINBERGER Givat Ze’ev went to the polls on Oct. 28 to elect a town council and mayor (council head) to five-year terms. With no incumbent in the running, this election was the first free-for-all in 10 years. As a result, there were six candidates for mayor and eleven slates for town council. Political parlor meetings were held throughout Givat Ze’ev in the weeks leading up to the elections. Since Givat Ze’ev is relatively small, candidates were able to have much personal contact with their potential voters (including going door-to-door). I had decided early on to support Amos Tartman, a former mayor of Ma’aleh Adumim, since I reasoned that here was an unusual situation of a non-incumbent who had done the job that he was running for--and done it well. To me, what was most striking about this campaign was the marked presence of that lowest form of political campaigning: anonymous negative political advertising. For example, after one local politician pulled out of the mayoral race (he would have been #7) and cast his support for Tartman, flyers were distributed asking residents to consider what nefarious deal was struck between Tartman and this candidate. The flyer was signed only by “citizens for a better Givat Ze’ev.” Perhaps the ultimate dirty trick greeted voters on election day, when they woke up to flyers announcing that Moshe Zigdon had withdrawn his candidacy. This was a patent lie and a few hours later the Zigdon campaign issued a flyer saying so, but perhaps the damage had already been done. Elementary schools in Givat Ze’ev served as
Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Nancy Skid; and Melanie Weinstein. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press and the Foundation are constitional committees of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.
The Givat Ze’ev Municipal Elections polling places and school was cancelled for the day. Cars and vans with the different candidates’ posters circled Givat Ze’ev, providing get-outthe-vote rides. The voting itself is extremely lowtech. After checking in, you are given one white envelope and one yellow envelope. You go into the voting booth and are confronted with a tray of yellow slips each bearing the name of a mayoral candidate, and a tray of white slips each bearing the name of a slate. You put one yellow slip into the yellow envelope and one into the white envelope (a color error automatically invalidates your vote). Then you are faced with the tricky question: to lick or not to lick. Since I am still a relative novice at this, I went out of the booth and asked an election worker what to do. She said that lickless envelopes were preferred, since it made counting easier. I went back behind the curtain and compromised: I only licked the tip of each envelope. The voter turnout was incredibly high for municipal elections (perhaps due to the large number of candidates). Though the national municipal election average was 45 percent, in Givat Ze’ev almost 70 percent of the 7,184 eligible voters went to the polls. As expected, none of the mayoral candidates received 40 percent of the vote in order to win outright. Acting mayor Yossi Avrahami received 27.3 percent of the vote, Tartman 24.4 percent, Zigdon 16.3 percent, and Haim Medici 15.4 percent. Surprisingly, nothing much happened during the first of the two weeks between the general elections and the Avrahami-Tartman run-off: no new posters, or flyers, or letters were distributed anywhere. Then on the morning of Nov. 5, the Tartman campaign struck, first with a flyer “from the heart,” thanking citizens of Givat Ze’ev for supporting Tartman, and then with an invitation to an
Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Ray Pred Account Executive Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper
assembly that night featuring the biggest of guns: Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz as well as several other Ministers and Members of Knesset. The Avrahami campaign also came back to life on Nov. 5, with advertisements announcing support from both Zigdon and Medici and their respective slates. That night, Avrahami supporters raucously demonstrated outside the synagogue holding the Tartman political gathering. But to no avail. Givat Ze’ev residents apparently wanted a clean break with the old regime, as Amos Tartman, with 57.5 percent of the vote, was elected Mayor of Givat Ze’ev in the run-off on Nov. 11. Good luck to him!
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: Thank you for “adopting” me, Omaha! I was privileged to join the Omaha Mission to Israel and the GA. You really made me feel so welcome and made the trip a real pleasure. Please don’t forget us in your little sister city of Lincoln! We need your strength in our part of the Diaspora. Sue Schreiber To the Editor: Recently I was at Beth Israel Cemetery for an unveiling. I was pleasantly surprised to see the improvements and care that the cemetery committee has undertaken. After reading and hearing all the controversy, it was rewarding to see the response by the responsible parties. I applaud their efforts and hope and pray the upkeep and improvements will continue. Allan M. Gonsher
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Nebraska Press Association
December 5, 2003
Pollard Lawyer Still in Client’s Corner the facts supporting the claim of ineffecWhen Semelman and Lauer began to tive counsel until 2000, when my partner work on the case, “reading the record BEHIND and I told him what his lawyer should showed us that there was no record of THE HEADLINES have done and failed to do.” Therefore, appeal filed. I was so surprised! I was by JOANNE PALMER The Jewish Standard of New Jersey TEANECK, N.J.--When did he know and when should he have known it? According to Jonathan Pollard’s lawyer, Jacques Semelman of Bergen County, NJ, those are among the questions Judge Thomas F. Hogan chose to disregard as he refused to allow the convicted spy to appeal his life sentence last month. Pollard was accused of spying for Israel; in 1987 he accepted a plea bargain that led--instead of what he had been promised, according to his supporters--to a life sentence without parole. He has been imprisoned since 1986. In October, he was taken to federal district court in Washington for a hearing. There his lawyers argued that his sentence should be vacated and that they should be allowed to see classified documents about his case. Hogan rejected both requests. Semelman and fellow attorney Eliot Lauer, both partners in the New York law firm Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle, “recognized immediately that Pollard’s life sentence was the direct result of ineffective assistance of counsel,” Semelman said in a telephone interview with The Jewish Standard. Pollard’s first attorney, Richard Hibey, “did not object” when “the government asked for life in prison, after having agreed not to do so.” Semelman said that Hibey had been negligent in a number of ways; prime among them was not filing a one-page notice of appeal. Filing that paper, Semelman said, “is pretty much automatic.” “To analogize,” he added, “it’s like a doctor performing major surgery and not doing anesthesia first. It’s that basic.” When Semelman and Lauer, who are working pro bono, took on Pollard’s case in 2000, “we saw that on the merits we had a very strong base, but there were two procedural obstacles that we had to overcome to get to the merits.” The first obstacle, he said, was the statute of limitations. Enacted by Congress in 1966, it “basically says that any prisoner who wants to bring a challenge to his or her incarceration has one year to do it.” One year from when? “That’s the question,” he answered. “It’s one year from the time the prisoner knew or should have known the facts supporting the claim.” Hogan ruled that Pollard’s claim to inadequate representation, filed in 2001, was about a decade too late, but “we argue that Jonathan Pollard did not learn
he said, the clock didn’t begin to tick sure that there had been a mistake, that until the turn of the millennium. two pieces of paper had been stuck It took Pollard longer than might seem together.” He has received no explanalikely to realize that he had been poorly tion about the omission from either the served by his first lawyer because in government or Hibey himself. 1990, Pollard filed a habeas corpus petiAfter much legal jockeying, Pollard tion with a second lawyer, Hamilton Fox. and his lawyers were summoned to (Such a petition, explained Semelman, is Hogan’s courtroom on Sept. 2 for argua procedural device for challenging ments. “We got a decision a few days incarceration on constitutional grounds.) ago,” said Semelman. “It was negative. Fox filed a constitutional challenge but The judge concluded that the statute of did not charge ineffective assistance; limitations bars the claim, and the secinstead, said Semelman, “he simply ond habeas doctrine bars the claim, and argued that the government had acted that we should not get a certificate of inappropriately in giving a life sentence appealability.” The judge’s decision, the after it had promised not to.” lawyer added, “does not say anything That was not a logically consistent about my principal argument.” move, said Semelman, because “it Another issue addressed at the should have been obvious to him that September hearing was Pollard’s the government would respond to his lawyers’ desire to “gain access to five argument that the government had acted partially classified documents in the inappropriately with the very obvious court sentencing dockets,” Semelman argument that the first council had not said. Those documents, which are objected.” “under seal, are said to contain classified In fact, said Semelman, instead information.” “Hamilton Fox basically wrote that Richard “This goes back to late 2000, in the Hibey did a great job representing final weeks of President Clinton’s adminJonathan istration,” he Pollard. Not continued. surprisingly, “We had filed the court rulan applicaing relied tion for execheavily on the utive clemenfact that cy, and it was Richard Hibey being considnever objectered. We met ed that Pollard with some had not met fairly seniorhis burden of level people, proving that and while the governeveryone was m e n t Hecklers hold up photos of convicted spy Jonathan Pollard very polite to breached the and shout slogans at Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon as us we recogplea agree- he speaks to thousands of participants, at the opening of the nized, based North American Jewish federation system’s annual General on comments ment.” Semelman Assembly in Jerusalem on Nov. 16. CREDIT: Brian Hendler/JTA people were said that Fox “had a conflict of interest. making, that we were somewhat handiHe did not want to criticize another capped by the fact that we had not seen member of the Washington, D.C., white- those documents.” collar-defense bar. Lawyers don’t do that. “So we inquired of the government It’s very unusual for a lawyer to criticize about how to go about gaining access to another lawyer in the same jurisdiction.” the documents. And the government said Both Hibey and Fox were former assis- you have to get security clearance, so we tant U.S. attorneys in Washington, mak- said fine, we would like to apply for a ing it even more unlikely that one would security clearance. publicly attack the other’s work. But, “They send us forms, we filled them said Semelman, “Jonathan Pollard had out. They were long, detailed forms, no way of knowing that. How was he to they needed all kinds of references. We know that it’s not true if both the gov- had an FBI investigation. We had applied ernment and his own lawyer were saying for whatever security documents they that Hibey had done a great job? How is told us were necessary to look at the a non-lawyer to know?” documents about Pollard. We made it “So,” he said, “the years went by.” clear that we were representing Pollard,
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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that our only interest in getting a security clearance was being able to look at those documents. They issued us security clearance, and apparently they had given us top security clearance.” The documents are commonly understood to hold the reason behind Pollard’s life sentence; among them is the socalled Weinberger Declaration. In that long memo, Caspar Weinberger, Ronald Reagan’s Secretary of Defense, detailed why he thought that Pollard had so harmed the United States that he should never be set free. Its contents have never been made public. “So we get this clearance,” continued Semelman. “We say to the government, okay, we need to see the documents. When can we come down? The government says two things: You have the wrong clearance, and because it is for a clemency application you have no need to know.” Working with U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner of Brooklyn and Queens, the lawyers recently received “a letter from the court security officer saying that we do have the right security clearance.” In fact, he added, the court officer told us that “we always had it.” But they have still not seen the documents, because Hogan ruled that it is unlikely that Pollard will gain clemency-“he wrote something like three presidents have already denied clemency, so there’s no reason to think that a fourth president would grant it,” according to Semelman--so “why bother?” “We intend to continue this legal battle until the courts reach the merits of the claim that the reason Jonathan Pollard is serving a sentence of life in prison is because his attorney did not provide adequate legal representation, and then stood by while the United States government reach a plea bargain and violated his legal rights,” said Semelman. “The government continues to take the position that he should spend the rest of his life in jail because he missed a statute of limitation and because of the second habeas argument. I find it appalling that the government would take such a position.” Meanwhile, a group of pro-Pollard protesters heckled speakers, including Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, at the opening ceremony of the Jerusalem meeting of the General Assembly of the United Jewish Communities. Between 10 and 15 protesters, who shouted slogans making clear that they feel that the Israeli government bears some responsibility for the plight of the man it admitted had spied for Israel. About 100 more protesters waved signs and shouted outside the meeting; their posters had such slogans as “Pollard=Dreyfus.”
An Independent Retirement Community
May each day bring you an abundance of all life’s good things.
Happy Hanukkah! 391-7555 2820 S. 80th St. • Omaha, NE 68124
Conveniently located just south of West Center Road
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Synagogue Listings
December 5, 2003
Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322-4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492-8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 1502 N. 52 St. Omaha, NE. 68104 -5013 556-6288 BethIsrael@novia.net
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660-2395 http://welcome.to/beytshalom/
Chabad House An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330-1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshrun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435-8004 jewishnebraska.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294-6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556-6536 templeisrael-ne.org
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423-8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
If you’re looking at this space, so are others! YOUR AD CAN GO HERE... to reserve space, call Allan Handleman, 334-6451, or Ray Pred, 334-6559.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. FRIDAY: We welcome Shabbat with a musical Kabbalat Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush sponsored by Beth El. Evening Services, 4:40 p.m. SITTER SERVICE In addition to our longstanding Saturday morning Sitter Service, we now offer Friday Night Sitter Service on a drop-in basis at no charge. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY: Bible Study Group meets at 11 a.m. in the Library, under the guidance of Dr. Leonard Greenspoon. WEDNESDAY, 7 p.m.: Adult B’nai Mitzvah class meets again with Cantor Bogomolni. THURSDAY, Dec. 11: “Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century” After a break for Thanksgiving, Rabbi Levin’s class will resume at noon. Optional lunch available at 1 p.m. For more information, call the synagogue, 492-8550 ISRAELI DANCE The Israeli Dance Group continues to meet on Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. For more information, call Cheryl Lerner, 334-8430. A THOUGHT FOR SHABBAT To receive Rabbi Levin’s weekly “Thought for Shabbat” message by e-mail, please send your email address to exec@bethelomaha.org. This is free and open to the entire community.
Friday, December 6, 4:36 p.m.
SATURDAY: Morning Services, 8:45 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood; Mincha, 4:40 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:41p.m. NCSY MOVIE NIGHT SATURDAY, 7 p.m. at the home of David and Janet Kohll. All NCSYers, fifth-12th grades) are invited to make a run for the border with a Mexican dinner and a movie. SUNDAY: Morning Services, 9 a.m.; Mincha, 4:35 p.m. Bible Quiz Study Session, 12:30 p.m., at Border’s Cafe, 72nd and Dodge; tour of Beth Israel’s new building, 4 p.m. This is the last chance to see the building under construction before its opening in February. Weekday Morning Services, 7 a.m.; Weekday Mincha and Ma’ariv, 6:30 p.m. MONDAY: Talmud Class, with Rabbi Kutner following evening minyan. TUESDAY: Sisterhood open board meeting and brunch, 10:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Beth Israel Board of Commissioners meeting, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY, 6:30 p.m.: NCSY Latte & Learning at Border’s, 72nd and Dodge, “Macabees vs. Greeks: Who Would We Be Rooting for Today?”
SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10 a.m. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY: Hebrew Refresher, 7 p.m. CHILDREN’S TRIP TO OMAHA Monday, Dec. 29: Lincoln kids can make a trip to Omaha’s Jewish Community Center, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., when the Jewish Federation of Lincoln is sponsoring a trip to the Omaha Jewish Community Center for children k4th grade. A chartered bus will pick up the children at B’nai Jeshurun. Once in Omaha, they will enjoy either a “Harry Potter” or “Nebraska Big Red” theme day, including swimming, lunch, crafts, sports, and games. The older kids will swim and have lunch, then go snow tubing at a ski area. The bus will arrive back at the synagogue at 4:30 p.m. If you’re interested, please e-mail or phone Lori Merliss right away at: lorimerliss@msn.com or call her at: 328-0414.
BEYT SHALOM
FRIDAY: All male members of Temple Israel are invited to a weekly informal get together at Spirit World, 7517 Pacific St. Join us for some relaxation and great conversation, 11:45 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m.: A short service of song and prayer, followed by cookies and juice. Come enjoy songs and a story with Rabbi Marantz.; Shabbat Evening Service, 7:30 p.m.: Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. Rabbi Azriel will give the sermon. The Oneg Shabbat is sponsored by Joan Kaiman in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of her granddaughter Amanda Elizabeth Bucher. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Amanda Elizabeth Bucher,
FRIDAY: Family Shabbat, 7 p.m. SUNDAY: No Religious school, at the JCC due to Thanksgiving vacation.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. MondayFriday, Morning services, 7 a.m.
CONGREGATION Monday- B’NAI JESHURUN
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
Office Hours: Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 4:40 p.m. The West Minyan is at the home of Dennis and Susan Paley, 4:40 p.m.
Candlelighting
Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, all day. You may reach her 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at 416-2321 (local for Lincoln), or at rabstiel@aol.com. FRIDAY:Shabbat Services, 7:45 p.m. Oneg to follow.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; led by Andrew Greenberg.
TEMPLE ISRAEL
daughter of Michelle and Ron Bucher, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, 10:30 a.m.-noon: The Four B’s: Behaving, Belonging, Believing and Bagels; Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Jonathan Adelman will lead this month’s discussion. See the complete schedule on page 11. WEDNESDAY, 6:45-8:30 p.m.: “History of Israel, Part I: Biblical and Pre-Modern Foundations” with Dr. Moshe Gershovich. THURSDAY, 10-11:30 a.m.: “Adult Study With The Clergy” with Cantor Wendy Shermet leading this week’s discussion. THE PANCAKE MAN SUNDAY, 9-10:30 a.m.: Women of Reform JudaismOmaha, is again sponsoring a pancake breakfast featuring Jim the Pancake Man. Bring the whole family for breakfast before the children go to Religious School and parents can hear guest speaker Dr. Jonathan Adelman, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $4.25 for adults and $3.50 for children 12 and under. SHABBAT COMES TO YOU Friday, Dec. 12, 4 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and members of the Temple Youth Group will lead a Shabbat Service, at Remington Heights. OMAHA CENSUS FORUM Sunday, Dec. 14, 10-11:30 a.m. Temple will host OTOC (Omaha Together One Community) leaders in a presentation and open discussion about what can be learned from the results of Omaha’s 2000 Census. OTOC is an interfaith, interracial grassroots organization of which Temple Israel is a member.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:15 a.m. WEDNESDAY: The Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m.
Amid Hugs and Kisses, Peace Plan Presented with Fanfare in Geneva by PHILIP CARMEL GENEVA (JTA)--If only it were as easy as the hugs and kisses made it seem. Israelis and Palestinians who helped negotiate the “Geneva Accord” dispensed embraces and kisses left and right as they launched their unofficial peace proposal Monday with some significant international support mobilizing behind it. From Nobel laureates to international leaders and former U.S. presidents, speakers at the launch here paid homage to the proposal, negotiated over two years in secret talks between Israeli opposition figures and Palestinians close to Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat. Speakers welcomed the grass-roots nature of the proposal but called on the international community to give it backing as a way to end Israeli-Palestinian violence, which has claimed almost 4,000 lives since the Palestinian intifada was launched in September 2000.
Monday’s launch of the peace proposal was hosted by actor Richard Dreyfuss. At the event, speakers said the Geneva Accord would be different from other failed peace plans because it would cut through slow, step-by-step procedures and instead move to immediate settlement of all the main issues dividing the sides. “Geneva is the first time there has been an agreement on final status, and this time nobody has tried to leave the difficult things for later,” said Amram Mitzna, the former leader of Israel’s Labor Party and one of the initiative’s major supporters. Yossi Beilin, a former Israeli Cabinet minister who was the principal Israeli proponent of the proposal, said peace was not just for Israelis and Palestinians, “but for the whole world.” His remarks were echoed by Jimmy Carter, the former U.S. President and Nobel Peace Prize winner. Carter said it was vital that the United States be seen as an honest broker between the two sides and not be perceived
to favor Israel. “The present administration always supports Israel,” Carter said. “The lack of real effort in the cause of peace leads to anti-U.S. sentiment in the Middle East.” Moreover, he added, the alternative to the Geneva peace plan was “only sustained and permanent violence, and it is unlikely we shall ever see a more promising initiative for peace.” Like other speakers, Carter had harsh criticism for the government of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Jerusalem Post, in fact, described Monday’s ceremony as a “festival of anti-Israel bashing.” Supporters said that even if it takes time before Israel’s government is overcome and the initiative can be adopted as an official peace plan, there is no reason why Diaspora Jews and the international community can’t start pushing the plan now. The supporters did not address the Palestinian Authority’s ambivalence about the plan.
December 5, 2003
A Screeching Halt
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MAXIMO SHECHET Parashat Vayetze As I approached the Chabad House mid-morning, after an hour’s walk from my visit to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home on Shemini Azeret, I came face to face with a mammoth 18-wheeler, a super cab and trailer, standing in the shul’s parking lot; the truckers were nowhere in sight. “What’s going on here?” my mind wondered and filled with a myriad of questions. “Is everything under control inside the shul? Are the truckers here to repossess furniture or deliver goods from some merchant? Did the driver attempt to make a u-turn in the small parking lot, causing him to get stuck in the process?” I quickened my step. My heart was pounding rapidly as I entered the sanctuary. I looked around and found nothing out of place. I felt relieved and at the same moment embraced in the accustomed sweet and warm atmosphere emanating from the communal prayers of my heritage. I scanned the worshippers and recognized the familiar faces deep in prayer. But wait! There on the south side of the shul were two young faces I had not seen here before. Who are they and what are they doing here? Are they invitees or just passersby casing the Chabad House? And then it dawned on me. Wow! They are the truck-
DEATHS BENNIE ABRAMS Bennie Abrams died Nov. 25 at the age of 89. Services were held Nov. 26 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Harry, Alan and William; and sisters, Dorothy, Bertha and Evelyn. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Gloria Abrams of Hawaii; three grandchildren, Brenden, Jennifer and Dulcie; and brother, Erwin Abrams of California. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or Jewish Family Service. FRANCES FERER Frances Ferer died Nov. 29 at the age of 89. Services were held Nov. 30 at Beth Israel Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband, Meyer B. Ferer. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, William and Nancy Ferer of New Jersey; and a grandson, Robert Ferer; and niece, Gwen and Ray Pred. Memorials to charity of choice. MARVIN I. PIZER Former Omahan Marvin Pizer died Nov. 21 in Los Angeles. Services were held Nov. 26 at Hillside Memorial Park. A physician in private practice for more than 60 years, Pizer was a prisoner of war for three-and-a-half years in the Philippines and Japan during World War II. He is survived by his wife, Roselle Osoff Pizer of Los Angeles; son and daughter-in-law, John and Patricia Pizer; daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and William Quicksilver; grandchildren, Matthew and Laura Quicksilver and Jasmin Hare Pizer; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Pearl and Jerry Gross and Fran and Jerry Milder. Memorials to Cedar-Sinai Medical Center or charity of choice.
EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed Thursday, Dec. 25, and Thursday, Jan. 1. Deadlines for ads, articles and photos for upcoming issues are at noon, as follows: Issue Deadline Dec. 26 Wednesday, Dec. 17 Jan. 2 Wednesday, Dec. 24
ers! They are Jewish truckers and religious to boot! They stopped to join us in prayer, observe and be part of our age old Torah commanded festivities. These fellow truckers exercised their right to have everything come to a “Screeching Halt” by exiting the conundrum of work through abstention and halting the “wheels of progress” for a given period of time, to refreshen their spiritual selves and celebrate G-d’s given festivities within their appropriate times. In this week’s Parsha, Vayetze, Yaakov Avinu (Jacob Our Father) exercises that “screeching halt” option. Having slaved for 20 years under the arduous and murderous rigor meted out to him by his uncle Laban, Yaakov Avinu musters the courage to extricate himself from the job that stifled him, demeaned and diminished him. He abandons the familial tie by venturing into the unknown: Yaakov Avinu realized that he is to become an Eved-Hashem, a slave and servant of G-d. Yaakov Avinu determines to succeed in life by who he is and how confident he is in the promise that G-d made to him during his dream at the place which he later names Beis El (House of G-d). Yaakov Avinu teaches us to get out of the everyday habits we constantly repeat as creatures of habit or necessity and enter the realm of a more satisfying form of life by becoming an Eved Hashem during all the days of our life. Yes, I agree that we need our jobs but “we are more than our jobs” as Dr Chaim Zimmerman explains in his book Torah and Existence. “By being a slave to G-d, man achieves his own great goal of Kedusha (holiness).” A Gutten Shabbes.
Solution to Crossword Puzzle on Page 19
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 5, 2003
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December 5, 2003
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Hanukkah
Drawing by Mallory Jill Rogers, age 8. Daughter of Marcelyn and Charles Rogers
Happy Hanukkah Best wishes for a joyous celebration topped with much happiness and prosperity.
STAFF AND COMMITTEE
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 5, 2003
The Festival of Lights During this Holiday season, we extend warm wishes to our friends and customers in the community.
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December 5, 2003
Happy
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Page 27
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Page 28
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 5, 2003
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December 5, 2003
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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EMPLOYEE OWNED
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Page 30
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 5, 2003
Happy
Hanukkah
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December 5, 2003
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 31
Hanukkah Starts December 19
Happy Hanukkah! • Girls 0-16 • Boys 0-7 • Distinctive Infant Gifts
The Dance Shoppe has great gifts for the dancer on your holiday list!
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Page 32
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 5, 2003
The Festival of Lights BERNINA Skilled staff are at your disposal in both Bernina stores. They are ready to discuss and demonstrate all that is new from Bernina
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December 5, 2003
Happy
Page 33
Hanukkah Husker Gear
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Page 34
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 5, 2003
Hanukkah Starts December 19 “The Unique Salon” Voted #1 in Omaha Two Years in a Row!
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December 5, 2003
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
The Festival of Lights Because sighs matter
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theRECROOM 8
1
“We’re Serious About Fun & Games” Come in now for floor model and factory closeouts at special prices.
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Page 35
Page 36
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 5, 2003
Wishing You a Happy & Healthy Haunukkah!!
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December 5, 2003
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 37
Hanukkah Starts December 19 HAPPY HANUKKAH DOWNTOWN 514 North 16th Street 342-7764 LA VISTA 7926 South 84th Street 331-3327
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Page 38
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 5, 2003
The Festival of Lights A World of Fashion
FABULOUS MEN’S & WOMEN’S SPORTSWEAR BARRY BRICKEN ANDREW MARC JHANE BARNES BOBBY JONES COLE•HAAN IKE BEHAR ST. CROIX ZANELLA TALBOTT MEZLAN VERICCI TALLIA REMY
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May the Brilliant Lights of Hanukkah Brighten Your Days
Malashock Jewelry The Diamond Specialists Since 1894 Official Rolex Jeweler
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496-9990
December 5, 2003
Happy
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 39
Hanukkah
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Index of Advertisers Advertiser Page Absolutely Fresh Fish .................................................. 39 Acura of Omaha ......................................................... 27 Advantage Mortgage ..................................................... 8 Albertson’s Supermarkets .......................................... 40 Alkar Billiards ............................................................. 28 All Makes Office Equipment ........................................ 35 Anderson Auto Group-Jeffrey A. .................................. 30 Associated Counseling Professionals ............................ 8 Bagel Bin .................................................................... 11 Baker’s Supermarkets ................................................ 24 Bergman Jewelers ...................................................... 35 Bernina Sewing Center ............................................... 32 Bickford Cottage ......................................................... 18 Bloomfield Forum ....................................................... 23 Blue Cross Blue Shield ................................................. 8 Body Basics ................................................................ 37 Borsheim’s ................................................................. 27 Brandeis Catering/Georgetown Club .......................... 13 Brighton Gardens ........................................................ 10 Broadmoor Market ..................................................... 31 Brown Box .................................................................. 33 Care Consultants ........................................................ 23 Category One ............................................................. 19 CB Richard Ellis/Mega ............................................... 23 CBS/Home Real Estate-Toni Rosen .............................. 2 Centris .......................................................................... 9 Christel’s .................................................................... 32 Countryside Village ..................................................... 31 Crown Pointe .............................................................. 21 Crowne Plaza ............................................................. 36 Dance Shoppe ............................................................ 31
Advertiser Page Ed’s Auto Body Inc. ....................................................... 4 El Alamo ..................................................................... 12 Enterprise Bank .......................................................... 16 Entreprenuer’s Source .................................................. 2 Eye Essentials ............................................................ 23 Farucci’s ..................................................................... 13 Foundation of the Jewish Federation ........................... 18 French Cafe ................................................................ 13 Galaska Painting ........................................................... 6 Garbo’s ....................................................................... 30 Gary Michaels ............................................................ 26 Genji ........................................................................... 13 Golf USA ..................................................................... 34 Gordman’s ................................................................. 34 Grace Mayer-Bob Nelson .............................................. 8 Great Western Bank .................................................... 21 Grillhouse ................................................................... 11 Hairitage Styling ............................................................ 8 Hampton Inn .............................................................. 26 Herzl Camp .................................................................. 6 Hy-Vee Supermarkets ............................................. 2, 29 Imago ......................................................................... 26 Indian Oven ................................................................ 13 Industrial Packaging Company ..................................... 5 Jim’s Dodge Country .................................................... 2 Julio’s ......................................................................... 12 Katelman’s Antiques ................................................... 35 Kohll’s Pharmacy and Homecare ............................... 36 Lakeside Dental .......................................................... 39 Lakeside Hills Apartments .......................................... 23 Lil Prince and Princess ............................................... 31
Advertiser Page Lincoln Community Playhouse ................................... 38 Lindley Clothing .......................................................... 32 Louis M’s Burger Lust ................................................. 12 Mainstream Fashions ................................................. 39 Malashock Jewelry ..................................................... 38 Malbar Vision Center .................................................. 26 Marriott Hotel ............................................................. 34 Mediterranean Bistro .................................................. 11 Metropolitan Community College .................................. 9 Mid City Jewelry & Loan .............................................. 34 Movers Not Shakers ...................................................... 9 Mutual Protective/Medico Life Insurance Companies ... 7 Nan C ......................................................................... 28 Nebraska Children’s Home Society ............................. 14 Nebraska Jewish Historical Society ............................. 28 Nobbies ...................................................................... 27 Noddle Development Company .................................. 16 Omaha Steaks ............................................................ 35 Omaha Trans Video .................................................... 39 Opera Omaha ............................................................ 30 Packaging Store .......................................................... 36 Papillion Times Printing ................................................ 5 Parkwood Terrace-Belgrade Co. .................................... 5 Parsow’s ..................................................................... 38 Pasta Amore ............................................................... 37 Picture Man-Bob Olson ............................................... 32 Pish Posh ................................................................... 33 Planned Parenthood ................................................... 16 Priority 1 Fitness ......................................................... 28 Professional Massage Therapy ................................... 33 Prudential Insurance-Joe John ...................................... 5
Advertiser Page Pulverente .................................................................. 23 Rec Room ................................................................... 35 Remington Heights ....................................................... 3 Residential Mortgage .................................................... 4 Rockbrook Floors ........................................................ 17 Rockbrook Village ....................................................... 37 Rose Blumkin Jewish Home ....................................... 17 Rossi .......................................................................... 37 Ryco Packaging .......................................................... 14 SAC Museum ............................................................. 36 Salon Aura .................................................................. 34 Sarah’s ....................................................................... 31 Savannah Pines ............................................................ 8 Schrier Ford .................................................................. 6 Second Story .............................................................. 28 Security National Bank ................................................. 6 Senior Market Sales-Gary Katelman .............................. 6 ShirTal ........................................................................ 30 Sol’s Jewelry & Loan ................................................... 37 Souq .......................................................................... 33 Source One ................................................................. 10 St. Joseph Villa ............................................................. 4 State Farm Insurance-Gary Kudym ............................. 17 Steppin’ Out ................................................................ 31 Stokes ......................................................................... 13 Sunridge Village ............................................................ 7 Tilly ............................................................................. 30 Topp’s ......................................................................... 37 Triple Black Auto Brokers ............................................ 17 V. Mertz ...................................................................... 12 Zio’s Pizza ................................................................... 11
Page 40
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 5, 2003
FROZEN FOODS Rokeach
Chanukah Candles 44 ct. Package
89
¢
Kineret
ea.
Potato Latkes
Cheese Blintzes
Regular or Mini • 24 - 30 oz.
Assorted Varieties • 13 oz.
4 5 $
SAVE UP TO 30¢ EACH
Golden
for
SAVE UP TO 2.74 ON 4
1.99
ea.
SAVE UP TO 1.60 EACH
Carmel
Potato Pancake Mix 6 oz. Package
2 3 $
for
SAVE UP TO 99¢ ON 2
Tabatchnick
Frozen Soups Assorted Varieties • 15 oz.
4 5 $
Elite Milk or Parve
for
Chocolate Coins .625 oz.
3 99
SAVE UP TO 94¢ ON 4
¢
Broadway
Jerusalem Pizza 40 oz.
6.99
ea.
SAVE UP TO 3.50 EACH
Albertsons
Sour Cream
for
Assorted • 16 oz.
2 3 $
SAVE UP TO 26¢ ON 3
for
SAVE UP TO 1.30 ON 2
Kedem
Sparkling Juice Assorted Varieties • 25.4 oz.
2.29
ea.
SAVE UP TO 1.20 EACH
Albertsons
Apple Sauce Natural or Sweetened • 48 oz.
1.89
ea.
EVERYDAY LOW PRICE
Kedem
Albertsons
Albertsons
Grape Juice
Olive Oil
Egg noodles
64 oz.
17 oz.
16 oz.
4.49
ea.
SAVE UP TO2.00 EACH
Some Items May Not Be Available At All Stores
2.79
ea.
EVERYDAY LOW PRICE
1.59
ea.
EVERYDAY LOW PRICE
Prices Available Through Dec. 27, 2003 at Select Albertsons Locations